'Pataphysics
|
|
'Pataphysics or pataphysics, an absurdist concept coined by the French writer Alfred Jarry, is a philosophy or science dedicated to studying what lies beyond the realm of metaphysics. The term first appeared in print in Jarry's article "Guignol" in the 28 avril 1893 issue of L'Echo de Paris litteraire illustré. Jarry later defined it as "the science of imaginary solutions, which symbolically attributes the properties of objects, described by their virtuality, to their lineaments" (Gestes et opinions du Docteur Faustroll, II, viii). Raymond Queneau has described 'pataphysics as resting "on the truth of contradictions and exceptions." It is a parody of the theory and methods of modern science and is often expressed in nonsensical language. A practitioner of 'pataphysics is a 'pataphysician or a 'pataphysicist.
The Collège de 'pataphysique, founded on May 11, 1948, in Paris, is a group of artists and writers interested in the philosophy of 'pataphysics. The college's motto is Eadem mutata resurgo, and its head is His Magnificence, Baron Jean Mollet. According to Warren Motte, noted members of the college have included Noël Arnaud (Regent of General Pataphysics and Clinic of Rhetoriconosis, as well as Major Confirmant of the Order of the Grand Gidouille), Luc Étienne also known as Luc Etienne Périn (Regent), Latis (Private General Secretary to the Baron Vice-Curator), François Le Lionnais (Regent), Jean Lescure (Regent of Anabathmology), and Raymond Queneau (Transcendent Satrap). As such, its members are linked with Oulipo. Publications of the college include the Cahiers du Collège de Pataphysique and the Dossiers du Collège de Pataphysique.
French authors Raymond Queneau, Jean Genet, Boris Vian and Jean Ferry have described themselves as following the 'pataphysical tradition.
In the 1960s 'pataphysics was used as a conceptual principle within various fine art forms, especially pop art and popular culture. Works within the 'pataphysical tradition tend to focus on the processes of their creation, and elements of chance or arbitrary choices are frequently key in those processes. Select pieces from Marcel Duchamp and John Cage characterize this. The most prominent mention of 'pataphysics from this period is in the Beatles's song Maxwell's Silver Hammer. At around this time, the Paris-based Situationist International referred to pataphysics as a new religion.
Rube Goldberg and Heath Robinson were artists who contrived machines of a 'pataphysical bent.
The London Institute of 'Pataphysics
The London Institute of 'Pataphysics was established in September 2000 to promote pataphysics. It organised the Anthony Hancock Paintings and Sculptures: A Retrospective Exhibition.
It has six departments:
- Bureau for the Investigation of Subliminal Images
- Committee for Hirsutism and Pogonotrophy
- Department of Dogma and Theory
- Department of Potassons
- Department of Reconstructive Archaeology
- The Office of Patentry
See also
External links
- LIP website (http://www.atlaspress.co.uk/theLIP/)
- Marcel Duchamp and 'Pataphysics (http://www.toutfait.com/issues/issue_3/Articles/williams/williams.html)de:Pataphysik
es:Patafísica fr:’Pataphysique it:Patafisica nl:'Patafysica pl:Patafizyka pt:Patafísica sv:Patafysik