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Accelerate or Die (12*) + ScreenTalk with Jake Chapman and Dr Isabel Millar, hosted by Elfie Reigate

A middle aged man stares directly ahead, with stints in his eyes holding them open.

 Why is it easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of Capitalism? 

One of Britain’s most provocative artists Jake Chapman responds to the question: Why is it easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of Capitalism? 

The answer may lie in ‘Accelerationism’. Capitalism, it claims, is breaking down society, humanity, and our planet. Accelerationists assert that the only way forward is not to struggle against runaway technological advancement and the cultural and political fragmentation that accompanies it, but to embrace it and ride it even harder, regardless of where that takes us.

This dynamic film focuses on the meeting point of technology, Capitalism and the climate crisis, featuring the likes of Jeanette Winterson and Will Self. As he reimagines documentary, he invites us to buckle up and enjoy the ride in a thrilling visual assault of art, generative AI and thought-provoking perspectives.

Tagged with: Cinema ScreenTalks

UK, 2023, Mike Christie, 60min

Biographies

Jake Chapman (Writer/Presenter) is a contemporary artist who makes iconoclastic sculpture, prints, films, writing and installations that examine, with searing wit and energy, contemporary politics, religion and morality. He has exhibited across the world, from the Serpentine Gallery to the State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg; from Tate Britain to PS Contemporary Art Center, New York. He was nominated for the Turner Prize as half of the Chapman Brothers.

Dr Isabel Millar (Contributor) is a philosopher and psychoanalytic theorist from London. Her book 'The Psychoanalysis of Artificial Intelligence' (2021) received acclaim from major figures in philosophy, psychoanalysis, film theory and contemporary art. She is an Associate Researcher at Newcastle University, Department of Philosophy and a Research Fellow at the Global Centre for Advanced Studies. She recently co-founded the UK's first critical theory think tank, the Institute of Symbolic Exchange. She appears regularly on TV, podcasts and other media.

Elfie Reigate (Chair) is preparing PhD research at Birkbeck, specialising in technological futures and digital humanities. Her research focuses on discourses surrounding imminent extinction, and the implications of a seemingly 'cancelled' future. They explore meta-theoretical ideas of progress and linearity. Elfie's work to date has centred on Accelerationist discourse, the use of violence in feminist strategy and Xenofeminism.

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.