[Au]xiology, a pedagogical experiment investigating value & gold
By Ant(onia) Lore(nzo)
I think a lot about the so-called “potential” of so-called “gen z.” Just barely a member of this supposably fast-paced generation myself, I tend to dwell most on the dire set of circumstances currently colliding to inform our most basic values as well as the general health of many of our nervous systems. I do not believe it is some duty of youth to right the wrongs of older generations, this mentality tends to obscure the countless people who have struggled throughout history in many modes and against many foes, giving the credit for social change to time rather than our collective actions. However, there is no denying, we are in a distinctly politically charged and radicalizing time. So, while I don’t believe the kids are by any means alright, I know they are self-determining and ready to mobilize for futures and creatures beyond ourselves. Without collaborators, guidance, and coconspiritors this revolutionary milieu dissipates, overcome with dread and doom. It is how we teach and what is taught that will move us away from the stagnant, unadaptable, and entrenched movies of the past. In my practice, I play with pedagogical spaces, searching for to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster liberatory spirits.
Image Description: A still from the short video work. Four smaller images are superimposed over an image of the sun over the ocean at golden hour. The image in the upper left is of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge emerging from clouds. In the center, an image of three oil rigs backlit by the setting sun. In the lower left is a close up of pyrite, or fool’s gold. In the lower right corner is a wall formed by gold bullion bricks. Winter 2020.
2 responses to “[Au]xiology, a pedagogical experiment investigating value & gold”
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Funding has been provided by California Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
This is a very interesting proposal Antonia! I believe in alternative pedagogical practices that include multimedia resources, so I appreciate your project. Moreover, I agree with your statement. Each generation has a different way of resisting oppression and working towards emancipation, but inter-generational collaboration is key. Just something to consider is that the video took a lot of time to load. Maybe uploading it to Youtube and posting the link here would make it easier to load.
Antonia, thank you for taking the time to create this piece. I was immediately drawn in by the theatrical story you started with and all the images surrounding you as spoke of “gold.” Your piece reminded me that what we have valued as a nation since the formation of “The United States of America” looks like pursuing status and monetary value often to the detriment of humanity. I also see this burden to lead out in change, but finding tension in that. Leadership is obscure, and there is often a push — internally and externally — to be “something” if you want people to come along side you in the work. I love that transitional moment of you embracing your authentic self and speaking plainly about your passion and desire to collaborate together in challenging our values and fostering change. I am not 100{b90d8fc0a3e122639340b373e7a9efdcb0e00e75be1e29178ec3b3a64184268d} sure that was the intention of your art here, but I appreciated the journey it took me on.