Who If Not We...?

by Étienne Balibar, Robert Fleck, Boris Groys

Who if not we . . . ? consists of seven exhibitions (episodes) and a number of additional projects throughout Europe organized by Thinking Forward --a cultural program formed on the occasion of the Dutch presidency of the European Union. The main motivation of this visual art program is to discuss how art can participate in current social and political change. In the words of Maria "The question IWho if not we . . . ?' points to our primary to interpret this political assignment as an opportunity to modestly appeal to Iwe'--European artists, thinkers, and others--to take an active part in creating a new reality through artistic and knowledge production. If not we, then others will, and we run the risk that such a future would not necessarily be shaped around our own hopes and dreams." This publication presents comprehensive insight into all parts of the program, and includes new texts by Ole Bouman, Boris Groys, Igor Zabel, and others.

Paperback

First published March 15, 2005

About the author

Étienne Balibar is emeritus professor of philosophy at Paris X Nanterre and emeritus professor of comparative literature at the University of California, Irvine. He is also professor of modern European philosophy at Kingston University, London, and professor of French and comparative literature at Columbia University. His books include Violence and Civility: On the Limits of Political Philosophy (Columbia, 2015).