Technologies of Intuition

by Jennifer Fisher

The term, "intuition," while commonly used by artists has been somewhat marginalized within art theory and criticism. Whether sensed as a gut feeling or a flash of insight, intuition is central to processes of "coming to know" in aesthetic practice and experience. Many artists habitually rely on extra-rational means of understanding, either in the form of everyday instinct or uncanny cognition. A delicate balance, though, exists between clairvoyance and fantasy, foreknowledge and wishful thinking. Technologies of Intuition demonstrates how artistic sensitivity requires disciplined and cultivated perception. Set in continuity with the compelling history of the Spiritualist Movement and emancipatory feminism, this anthology elucidates intuitive agency as a psychic, somatic and social technology in the fine arts and popular culture.

Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Karen Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technologies of Intuition is a fascinating collection of work on the spirituality and transcendence of art -- something so often marginalized in the world of criticism. Its insights are diverse -- with theory, performance, and visual art represented in poetry, prose, and interviews -- and its cast of female contributors explore intuitive methodologies from post-feminist, emancipatory perspectives. I especially loved the interview with Marina Abramovic titled "Fear, Shame, Ecstasy and Self-Transformation," exploring her diverse body of work in dialogue with her intuitive emotional experiences as an artist. Carolee Schneemann's "On Intuition" is another high point, wrestling with the weight of Cartesian rationalism, hindering our ability to feel and connect with one another transcendentally. Overall, it was an interesting and enjoyable read, exploring intuitive agency, emotion, and extra-rational understanding in contemporary art without sounding pretentious or preachy.