Sztuka jako narzędzie zmiany. Refleksje o sztuce społecznej i społecznym aktywizmie. Na przykładzie Klubu Gaja

Abstract

This text is an attempt to present the evolution of aesthetic concepts, from the Greek idea of aísthēsis through the conceptual triad of artist – work – audience to the “performative turn” in aesthetics, in order to illustrate the conceptual background for describing the social art perceived as a drive for social transformation. Exploring the boundary conditions for the emergence of such art and its consequences for aesthetics, the author analyses the Polish critical art of the 1990’s and 25 years of artistic and educational activity of Jacek Bożek’s Klub Gaja in the context of aesthetic concepts. Furthermore, such notions as freedom and responsibility are introduced within the analysis as the consequences of conscious participation in culture and the indispensable elements of art that promotes action, not contemplation.