Humanities and Arts
Unconditional hospitality: art and commons under planetary migration
rnfinity
Pelin Tan
Abstract
In both European and non-European cities, public spaces are formed by racist and segregative politics that influence everyday life. Planetary migration flows and recently implemented border politics tend to leave the most vulnerable in precarious conditions, not only in the case of migrants/refugees but also in the case of citizens. This article focuses on how artistic methodologies in the context of migration/refugeehood can experiment with “alternative modes of existence”. How can newly imagined modes of co-existence contribute to the creation of minor public spaces as well as the transformation of institutions? How can public art construct different and diverse guest-host relationships? How can artistic research and actions reveal precarious labour conditions, stage radical discursive debates, and transform existing institutional practices? This article is based on theoretical discussions of commoning and decolonization practices. It will focus on the art and activist practices, and analyse such, of Al-Madafeh/Living Room (Sandi Hilal, Stockholm) and The Silent University (Ahmet Ogut), and others.
Key Questions
What is the main theme of "Unconditional Hospitality: Art and Commons under Planetary Migration"?
The article explores the concept of "unconditional hospitality" as it relates to art and the commons in the context of planetary migration. It examines how art practices and collective spaces offer responses to the challenges and displacements caused by migration on a global scale, advocating for inclusivity and solidarity.
What does the term "unconditional hospitality" mean in the context of this article?
"Unconditional hospitality" refers to the concept of offering space, resources, and support to displaced individuals and communities without conditions or barriers. The article discusses how art and collective spaces can embody this principle, creating environments that welcome and nurture people, regardless of their background or status.
How does art play a role in addressing planetary migration?
Art is seen as a tool for raising awareness, fostering empathy, and providing platforms for the voices of migrants and displaced people. The article suggests that art can break down barriers by visually and emotionally engaging people with the experiences of migration, helping to humanize the complex and often politicized issue.
What are the commons, and how do they relate to migration?
The commons are shared spaces or resources that are collectively managed by communities. In the context of migration, the commons offer a vision of solidarity, where people can come together to share resources, knowledge, and support. The article highlights how the commons can serve as a model for providing hospitality and care in times of displacement.
How does the article address the political dimensions of hospitality?
The article delves into the political implications of hospitality, questioning the ways in which migration is often framed by states and institutions as a problem to be managed. It advocates for a more radical understanding of hospitality, where openness and care are not contingent upon political or legal frameworks, but instead are rooted in human solidarity.
What is the relationship between migration and the global commons?
Migration is presented as a natural outcome of global inequities and crises, and the global commons are framed as a potential solution to the problems of displacement. By viewing migration through the lens of shared resources and collective responsibility, the article suggests that the commons can help mitigate the adverse effects of migration and offer sustainable, ethical approaches to managing human movement.
How does the article envision a future of hospitality and migration?
The article envisions a future where hospitality is extended without conditions, and where migration is viewed not as a crisis but as a part of human existence. It argues for a world where art and the commons play central roles in creating spaces of care, community, and solidarity, enabling migrants to thrive rather than survive.
How do the ideas presented challenge traditional notions of national borders?
The article challenges traditional notions of national borders by advocating for a more inclusive and open approach to migration. It critiques the restrictive policies of states and emphasizes the need for global cooperation and empathy, encouraging a shift toward viewing the world as interconnected and interdependent rather than divided by borders.
