In his book What Comes After Farce? Art and Criticism at a Time of Debacle, Hal Foster examines the cultural and political landscape following the era of farcical politics epitomized by figures like Donald Trump. Drawing inspiration from Karl Marx’s observation that history repeats itself—first as tragedy, then as farce—Foster contemplates what succeeds this farcical phase.
Foster argues that after the farce, we encounter a period marked by intensified challenges, including:
• Post-Truth and Post-Shame Politics: A political environment where truth is undermined, and shamelessness prevails, complicating efforts to critique or satirize power structures.
• Media Saturation: A media landscape that thrives on outrage and absurdity, making it difficult to effectively oppose or ridicule political elites who flourish in such conditions.
• Neoliberal Transformation of Art Institutions: Art institutions undergo neoliberal changes, affecting aesthetic forms and the role of art in society.
In this context, Foster explores how artists and critics can respond to these challenges, emphasizing the need for new strategies to demystify hegemonic orders and address the complexities of contemporary politics and culture.
Foster’s analysis underscores the urgency for critical engagement and innovative artistic practices to navigate and counteract the debacles that follow the farcical phase in history.
