political imagination

In this podcast, Marxist historian, editor, and journalist Vijay Prashad emphasises the power of storytelling, expressing emotion as he critiques imperialism and raises awareness about war. While disagreeing with hyper-imperialism, he recognises the uncertain material conditions that underpin conservative ideologies. Reflecting on Palestinian oppression, he thoughtfully revisits the intertwined histories of European colonialism and antisemitism, with a particular focus on the German context. Though fatigued by dishonest discourse, he finds hope in the dissent of younger generations and the socially constructed courage they embody. And despite attempts at silencing, he embraces the defiant spirit of protest, rallying behind the cry: ¡No pasarán!

In this podcast, we talk to the artist, editor, translator and activist Marcelo Expósito about scales and oratories, about artistic methodologies, political imagination and herbariums. We look at constitutional leaps that broaden opportunities for listening and remind us—from the South—of the rights of the earth, rivers and mountains. Marcelo also tells us about how recombining existing laws and treaties can be a way of updating valuable constructive procedures and reinvigorating non-fascist ways of life, in this new context of historical breakdown. 

Nancy Garín is a Chilean journalist, researcher, art historian, and independent curator. In this podcast, we look back at her life in order to shed light on her toolbox and projects to date. We take our time discussing collective methodologies and communal notions, and their challenges and difficulties. Continuing with the idea of community, Nancy emphasises the need to foster a radical political imagination and the power of empathy in collective action, using art as a critical and perceptual tool. Given the rigidity of writing and theory, perhaps play, putting our bodies in the streets, and allowing error are the keys we need to imagine other worlds and continue to build community.

In this podcast, researcher, curator, and organizer Vaida Stepanovaitė guides us through some of the intricate lineages of past and present trade unions in the post-Soviet Baltic states, while also drawing inspiration from international movements such as the Art Workers’ Coalition and W.A.G.E., as well as from recent collective efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reflects on the devaluation of labour and people within the context of “uber-economics” or the gig economy, on the toll, precarity takes on the tired bodies of workers, and on the need for radical action to foster new forms of collectivization. The struggle against inhospitable working conditions and the gaps in the social safety net affecting art workers, serves as a starting point for devising better models for arts institutions and building new solidarities in the quest for a good life.