Truth is Concrete

Truth is Concrete was emblazoned over Bertolt Brecht’s desk while in exile in Denmark, a constant reminder in times of extreme social turbulence to remember political reality.

How can art play a role in social and political struggles? 

Can it be a tool to shape the world, rather than a mere reflection?

Following Steirischer Herbst festival’s twenty-four hour, seven-day marathon camp, Truth is Concrete: A Handbook for Artistic Strategies in Real Politics takes the possibility of concrete truth as a working hypothesis for both art and activism, and looks for direct action and concrete knowledge. In art practices that engage performatively in specific political and social situations, and activism that searches for intelligent, creative means of self-empowerment.

Ninety nine contributions describe different tactics and strategies, written by practitioners from all over the world, a broad field of engaged art and artistic activism in our times. Additional essays focus on the theories behind the many struggles to make this world a better place.

I contributed a text, a manifesto on Generosity

Truth is Concrete will be launched at 8pm, 26th April at WUK in Vienna, and in May, somewhere in Germany.

Truth is Concrete. A Handbook for Artistic Strategies in Real Politics Sternberg Press, April 2014, English. 16 x 22 cm, 336 pages, price: € 19.00 

More information: Truth is Concrete
Pre-order: truthisconcrete@steirischerherbst.at

Read Generosity see documents of the marathon Truth is Concrete, or even  Ends Meet a publication developed by Critical Writing students at the Royal College of Art.