Is it enough to use the word “political” to activate a political approach?

Davis Freeman raised this question when invited to participate in “some political art” research group.
In my point of view people indeed become politically concerned or resistant when the word “political” is put out there. Something happens in your mind. A question is raised and one searches to integrate his/her way of acting, dealing with the situation with a certain awareness on its the political self and point of view.
The example of the political garden event can be seen as an experience of the political in terms of a non-hierarchical structure. After the description and explanation of the plans, collaboration and autonomy were the only two pre-established points on how the participants could proceed to accomplish the garden, improvise music or eat.
Isabelle Pauwelyn made a garden design inspired on a diagram of Schlemmer (Bauhaus artist 1926) using the notions of autonomy and algorithms. One can never pass the same point twice.
Niko Hafkenscheid displayed musical instruments, microphones and proposed an improvisation format to accompany the garden makers.
Rosa and Zé took in charge the barbecue.
During a 5 hours period a group of people of all ages constructed a “generic city garden”, played music and eat.
It definitely designated a certain way of living.


Triadic Ballet – Oskar Schelemmer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMDtwC76HjA