For the first episode of “Just In Her MetaPod”, I am joined with Digital Artist, Future Researcher, And Associate University Lecturer (UAL, Goldsmiths) Nella Piatek. As part of my research on the processes of Accelerationism in Online cultures, I interviewed Nella to learn more about her futuristic creative-cyber practice.
The conversation revolves around the impact of technology on society, exploring themes of accelerationism, nihilism, and the blurring of realities. Nella offers a nuanced perspective on accelerationism, while challenging traditional notions of art and technology. We discuss the potential of digital technology to accelerate societal progress and the importance of democratizing art and technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the cyber witch, a symbol of empowerment and resistance in the digital age. Throughout, Nella and I emphasize the need for creativity and hope in the face of apocalyptic nihilism and doomerism.
Outline with Time Stamps:
Accelerationism in Modern Society, focusing on artist’s work:
01:07 Andrea discovers Andrea Miu’s work and was intrigued by her themes of accelerationism, which involves using technology and social possibilities to accelerate social development and escape economic and creative decline.
(Andrea Miu, Coeval Magazine Interview)
02:35 Accelerationism in connection to natural environments and the fluid identity
Perspectives on Capitalism
05:22 Daniel Felsted and ‘Janky Capitalism’
08:44 Queer Theory and Subcultures
Technological Subversions and Playing with Digital Materials: New Visions
11:45 XRiS-00222 (Piatek, 2022)
15:54 Rethinking Tech as malleable and playful, rather than cold and consumerist
19:51 Argument that everyone is an artist, regardless of career path
22:02 Argument that Technology should be a viewed through a more empathetic and emotive lens to avoid capitalist attitudes
26:22 The rapid pace of technological advancements, including the internet and social media, has distorted our perception of time, leading to a new form of accelerationism. This abundance of choices challenges younger generations, while older generations are more accustomed to it.
The changing nature of Supply & Demand, Individualism, and the Intersection of Digital and Physical Worlds
32:29 changing vision of supply and demand, increased focus on individualism and personalisation (Digital Tech influences individuality + self-expression in the real world)
37:41 Breaking Taboo Tattoo Norms: Inking for the Trend
(runway thug, 2016, @deadsince99)
Embracing Cyber Witch Identity through Creativity and Resistance
39:54 Nella reflects on the meaning of ‘cyber witch’ and its connection with marginalised groups, resistance, and creativity
42:39 Embracing qualities of Digital matter, empowering cyborg identities with agency to create counter-apocalyptic futures and embody hope
Blurred Realities and the Internet’s impact on perception
46:08 ‘Girl’ is an attitude, ‘Cyber’ can embody it, despite differences in self-consciousness
48:24 Blend of Digital and Physical Spaces
55:00 Post-Digital Identity (Deleuze & Guattari)
58:35 Personalised, Self-Imposed Alienation in Online Spaces: Main Character Era and exploration of Personal Branding
On Digital Accelerationism in Modern Society with Nella Piatek