2023/24: Latency

The fundamental distinction between dynamis and energeia, which Aristotle introduced into the history of natural philosophy, still persists today in the opposition between potential and kinetic energy. That same contrast opens up a realm of capabilities, of dormant possibilities in actors and objects, that perfectly demarcates the arts’ specific conditions of production and forms of efficacy (although Aristotle himself did not formulate this crossover). Since the early modern period, genius has been defined by a latent creative power that is activated within suitable constellations. On the other hand, the verbal, musical, visual work of art is understood as a reservoir of forces that are actualized in the work’s reception. In the fifth year, we want to pursue the ‘hidden’ forces that drive toward form and efficacy, and which are closely connected to the imagination of ‘dark’, numinous causes and agencies (divine power, astrological constellation, demonic inspiration, etc.). The goal is to pursue constellations that are centered not around on the general occultedness of causes (which show themselves only in their effects), but are rather focused precisely on their non-actualized form of possibility, their ‘dormancy’.