Distraction Therapy 035 – Exploring Metamodern Aesthetics through a Morphological Lens
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Welcome back to the Distraction Therapy podcast on Radio Lear! In our latest episode, we delve into the profound significance of a morphological view when understanding and defining metamodern aesthetics and cultural production. This approach, rooted in the holistic and symbolic importance of creative expression, offers a refreshing perspective on how meaning is generated in our rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
The Morphological View: A Holistic Perspective
A morphological view emphasises the interconnectedness and dynamic nature of all things. This perspective, originally developed by Goethe in his study of plant morphology, posits that all parts of an organism are variations of a fundamental form. Applying this to cultural production, we recognise that creative works are not static but are constantly evolving through processes of change, expansion, contraction, and renewal.
This holistic approach encourages us to look beyond isolated components and appreciate the entirety of a work as a process of development and growth. In metamodern aesthetics, this means understanding how different elements of a cultural artefact—be it a piece of music, a film, or a literary work—come together to create a unified, dynamic whole.
The Principle of Change
At the heart of the morphological view is the principle of change. In cultural production, this manifests as the continuous transformation of ideas and forms. Metamodernism, with its oscillation between modernist and postmodernist tendencies, perfectly exemplifies this dynamic. It embraces both sincerity and irony, unity and plurality, creating a fertile ground for new meanings to emerge.
Expansion and Contraction
The processes of expansion and contraction are vital to understanding metamodern aesthetics. Expansion refers to the broadening of horizons and the incorporation of diverse influences and perspectives. Contraction, on the other hand, involves a focused refinement of ideas and forms. Together, these processes enable cultural artefacts to resonate on multiple levels, offering rich, multifaceted experiences.
Renewal
Renewal is the final key principle in the morphological view. It signifies the ongoing regeneration and reinterpretation of cultural forms. In metamodern aesthetics, this is seen in the revival of past styles and the innovative blending of old and new. This continual renewal ensures that cultural production remains vibrant and relevant, constantly pushing the boundaries of creative expression.
The Sum of Its Parts: A Metamodern Query
As we explore these principles, we are led to a profound question: How do we know what is meant when something is described as being greater than the sum of its parts? In the context of metamodern aesthetics, this question invites us to consider how individual elements—whether they be narrative techniques, visual motifs, or musical themes—interact and coalesce to form a cohesive, transcendent whole.
Understanding this holistic interplay is essential to appreciating the depth and complexity of metamodern cultural production. It challenges us to move beyond a fragmented view and recognise the emergent properties that arise from the dynamic interaction of diverse elements.
Morphological Harmony in Our Track Listing
To illustrate these concepts, our episode features a carefully curated track listing that embodies the morphological approach to music:
Kraftwerk – Autobahn: A pioneering piece of electronic music that captures the essence of movement and progression.
Can – Vitamin C: A track that exemplifies rhythmic innovation and the blending of disparate musical elements.
Tangerine Dream – Love on a Real Train: A melodic journey through sonic landscapes that evoke change and transformation.
NEU! – Hallogallo: Known for its repetitive yet evolving structure, it showcases the principle of growth within simplicity.
Harmonia – Watussi: Combining electronic and organic sounds, this track highlights the expansion of musical horizons.
Cluster & Brian Eno – Ho Renomo: A collaboration that brings together distinct styles to create something entirely new.
Popul Vuh – MorgeruB: This piece explores the intersection of traditional and avant-garde, embodying renewal in music.
Ash Ra Tempel – Daydream: A dreamy, introspective track that contracts and expands within its ethereal boundaries.
M Ward – I’m a Fool to Want You: A modern reinterpretation of a classic, blending past and present.
Freddi Henchi – Cartoon People: A playful yet profound exploration of identity and expression.
John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band – Crippled Inside: A raw and honest reflection on personal and societal issues.
Velvet Underground – Guess I’m Falling in Love: Capturing the essence of metamodern romanticism and angst.
Croatian Amor – Your Face Again: A minimalist yet emotionally resonant piece, exploring the depths of human connection.
Angel Wei – Healing Words: A soothing track that embodies the healing potential of music and artistic expression.
Frederik Valentin – Journey No. 3: An adventurous exploration of soundscapes, symbolising continuous growth and evolution.
Each track in this episode has been selected to illustrate the morphological view in practice, demonstrating how diverse musical elements can come together to create a greater whole.
In this episode of Distraction Therapy, we have embarked on a journey through the morphological view, uncovering its profound implications for metamodern aesthetics and cultural production. By embracing a holistic perspective that values change, expansion, contraction, and renewal, we gain a deeper understanding of how meaning is generated in the creative process.
We invite you to listen to the full episode and join us in exploring these fascinating ideas. How do you perceive the interplay of parts and whole in the cultural artefacts you encounter? Share your thoughts with us, and let’s continue this engaging conversation on the ever-evolving landscape of metamodernism.
