The Accident of Art

In this dialogue with Sylvere Lotringer, the prophet of speed argues that “the art of the motor” (electronics, computer, Internet and so on) has surpassed the static nature of the visual arts. Digital technology has replaced the analogical and art has become extra-retinal. Something has been lost in the arts of the 20th century and their very success is their failure. But this critique is not a condemnation. On the contrary, an accident is always positive. It reveals something that otherwise would not have been perceived, and acknowledging it is a sign of hope. `The accident of art’ announces a reversal of the tendencies and values traditionally associated with art.