Visionary art and the limits of social constructivism

Visionary art, influenced by a shift toward (hyper)spatial perspectives, breaks from postmodernism by creating portals to other ontological realms and non-human visual paradigms rather than remixing cultural symbols. This paper proposes a methodology for analyzing visionary images from N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) use and Artificial Intelligence (AI) generation, focusing on the agency of non-human entities and dimensions. It shifts analysis from semiotics and representation to the topology of non-human spaces, examining how the constellation of agency between humans and non-humans is changing. The paper advocates for visual studies to accommodate these new epistemics and take such images seriously.

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Abstract

Visionary art, inspired by the shift in perspective towards a (hyper)spatial horizon, represents a departure from the postmodern ethos. Rather than simply remixing established cultural signifiers, these images function as portals to divergent ontological realms and non-human visual paradigms. Focusing on the agency of non-human entities and dimensions, this paper proposes a new methodology for analyzing visionary images, particularly those emerging from N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) use and Artificial Intelligence (AI) generation. By exploring spatial dynamics, mediated interfaces, and manifest presence, this framework shifts the analytical focus from semiotics and representation to the topology of non-human spaces. Ultimately, the paper examines how the constellation of agency between humans and non-humans is changing, advocating for visual studies to accommodate these new epistemics and take such images seriously.