This Instagram statement from influencer Sister Shanti, "The controllers are actually not in control of anything and 'those in power' actually hold no power at all. It comes down to your participation and your compliance," rests on an extremely superficial understanding of power dynamics that the School of Disobedience seeks to unravel and challenge.
The illusion of powerlessness Sister Shanti's assertion attempts to reduce complex power structures to mere shadows, dismissing the very real impact of those who hold systemic power and the tools they wield to maintain it. The School of Disobedience urges us not to be lulled into complacency by such facile narratives. To claim that controllers "actually hold no power at all" is to ignore the lived realities of those oppressed by these systems. Power is not an illusion. It is a reality faced by millions across the world. Compliance and participation as dual forces While participation and compliance play roles in sustaining power, the statement oversimplifies the mechanisms of control. It places undue responsibility on individuals without acknowledging the intricate webs of influence that shape societal norms and behaviors. The School of Disobedience recognizes that compliance is often coerced, shaped by historical narratives, socio-economic conditions, and cultural pressures. Power is systemic, layered, and deeply entrenched. The complexity of power structures "Those in power" leverage institutions, media, economic structures, and cultural narratives to perpetuate their control. The School of Disobedience teaches us to discern these complex networks, understanding that power is not merely a matter of individual consent but of deeply embedded systems. It is not enough to simply say power does not exist when the apparatus of control is a sophisticated machinery of oppression. Power is not the mere absence of consent but the active presence of control mechanisms that operate through seemingly invisible yet omnipresent structures. A call to conscious disobedience channelled inward Instead of dismissing the idea of power altogether, we must engage in conscious disobedience—a radical rethinking of our roles within these structures. Our school empowers students to navigate these complexities, encouraging them to become architects of change who challenge the status quo with informed actions and creative resistance. Our journey towards disobedience is not just about acknowledging these power structures but transforming ourselves. This transformation requires introspection and courage—challenging internalized norms and biases, rejecting passive compliance, and actively seeking personal evolution. Only through a profound understanding of self and society can we begin to dismantle oppressive systems from within. The essential link between individual transformation and collective change Personal growth is essential for fostering a movement towards systemic change. The School of Disobedience highlights this connection, teaching students how inner change can influence broader societal dynamics and ultimately lead to profound collective transformations. In conclusion, the School of Disobedience rejects the notion that power is an illusion. Instead, we recognize its pervasive influence and challenge our students to engage with these realities critically. We seek to arm our students with the tools to understand, resist, and ultimately transform the structures that seek to control and define them. Let us not be deceived by simplistic assertions; true internal disobedience lies in recognizing and confronting the multifaceted nature of power.
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During my time teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, my students often questioned the role of artists in our world. In my view, the artist's role is to illuminate the complexity of existence. Unlike political rhetoric, religious doctrines, or dogmatic ideologies, which often simplify and distort reality to fit specific agendas or beliefs, artists strive to reveal the multifaceted nature of our world.
Political rhetoric frequently reduces complex issues to binary choices or slogans, aiming to persuade or mobilize rather than to explore nuance. Similarly, religious and ideological dogmas can impose rigid frameworks that simplify the complexities of human experience into clear-cut truths. These approaches often neglect the subtleties and contradictions inherent in our world, which can lead to a diminished understanding of the richness and diversity of life. In contrast, artists emphasize the intricate interconnections and layered dimensions that constitute our reality. They challenge reductive narratives by presenting diverse perspectives, exploring ambiguities, nuances, and different shades of gray. Through their work, artists uncover and highlight how various elements—emotional, social, cultural, and environmental—are thoughtfully intertwined, encouraging a more nuanced and pluralist vision of our existence. By engaging with art, we are invited to see beyond surface-level interpretations and to appreciate the depth and interconnectedness of the world around us. Artists provide a mirror to the complexity of our lives, prompting us to reflect, question, and ultimately, embrace the richness of our shared reality. And that's exactly why artists are dangerous and why political and religious apparatuses fear them: they have the power to challenge, question, and drive change in profound and impactful ways. The power of self-empowerment in political activism
In the realm of political activism, the journey toward impactful societal change begins with self-empowerment. This foundational step is not merely about bolstering one's own confidence or abilities; it's about understanding that personal transformation is intrinsically linked to broader social movements. If you're seeking profound changes in the collective landscape, start with yourself. Individual growth serves as a powerful catalyst for societal change, and here's why. When you embark on the path of self-empowerment, you are engaging in a process of self-discovery and personal development that equips you with the tools necessary to enact change. This journey involves breaking free from limiting beliefs, challenging societal norms, and redefining what is possible. As you transform, you gain a clearer understanding of the systemic issues that plague society, allowing you to approach activism with a renewed perspective and a strategic mindset. Moreover, self-empowerment fosters resilience and adaptability—traits that are indispensable in the face of opposition and adversity. It empowers you to stand firm in your convictions, to articulate your vision for change with clarity and passion, and to inspire others to join you in the fight for justice. By prioritizing your own growth, you set an example for others, demonstrating that true change is achievable when individuals take responsibility for their own empowerment. The essential link between individual transformation and collective change At the School of Disobedience, we believe in the profound connection between individual transformation and collective change. This belief forms the cornerstone of our educational approach, guiding students to recognize the potential of their personal growth as a driver of societal transformation. Individual growth is not just a personal journey; it is a crucial component of societal evolution. Every personal breakthrough, every shift in mindset, and every act of self-improvement contributes to the broader tapestry of social progress. As you undergo your own transformation, you develop a deeper awareness of the interconnectedness of human experiences and the role you play in shaping the world around you. This awareness is what fuels collective change. When individuals commit to their own transformation, they become catalysts for broader societal shifts. Their actions inspire others to question the status quo, to challenge oppressive systems, and to imagine new possibilities for the future. The ripple effect of individual transformation extends far beyond the self, permeating communities and igniting movements that demand justice, equality, and freedom. The School of Disobedience empowers students to embrace their potential as agents of change. Through a curriculum that emphasizes both learning and unlearning, we encourage students to explore their own narratives, confront their biases, and redefine their roles in society. By aligning personal growth with collective action, we cultivate a culture of empowerment that transcends traditional boundaries and fosters meaningful change. In conclusion, self-empowerment and individual transformation are not isolated endeavors; they are the building blocks of a more equitable and just society. At the School of Disobedience, we challenge you to embark on this transformative journey, to harness your personal power, and to become a catalyst for the change you wish to see in the world. Together, we can dismantle the systems that hold us back and create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Human desire revolves around the idea of lacking what we do not have, making it a central part of our existence. We constantly yearn for what we perceive as missing, and this perpetual desire keeps us from true contentment. Desire equates to lack, and lack brings suffering.
Happiness is often thought of as having what we want, but it's not about having everything we want. Kant suggests that true happiness is more an ideal of imagination than reason. Real contentment comes from fulfilling a significant portion of our desires. However, we only desire what we don't have, so we are perpetually seeking and never completely satisfied. When a desire is fulfilled, it ceases to be a desire. Sartre said, “Pleasure is the death and failure of desire.” Once we get what we want, it loses its allure, and we start longing for something new. Therefore, happiness isn't about having what we once desired but continuously having new desires. Unfulfilled desires cause frustration and suffering, while fulfilled desires lead to boredom, as the lack and longing that drive us dissipate. The object of our desire, when unattained, seems to hold unparalleled value. But once achieved, it loses its significance, and we quickly move on to desiring something new. Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism, emphasize the idea that attachment to desires is the root of suffering. The Four Noble Truths teach that recognizing the nature of suffering, understanding its cause (attachment and desire), and following the Eightfold Path can lead to liberation from this cycle. By letting go of attachment and learning to be present, one can find peace and contentment that transcends the ups and downs of desire. As Schopenhauer states, happiness is not the presence of desire but its absence. You might think, "I would be happy if..." but whether the "if..." comes true or not, true happiness is rarely found. Instead, we oscillate between suffering from unfulfilled desires and boredom from satisfied ones. This leads to the grim realization summed up by Schopenhauer's quote: "Life swings like a pendulum, from right to left, from suffering to boredom." George Bernard Shaw poignantly summarized this paradox by stating: "There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it." My Fight Clubs serve as arenas for reappropriation. Here, through practices like self-defense, wrestling, and play fighting, we not only reclaim but also assert our ownership of voices, bodies, emotions, and spaces that rightfully belong to us but have been unjustly taken away.
My Fight Clubs are also brave spaces where we dare to challenge societal norms and personal limitations. In this nurturing and secure environment, participants are encouraged to explore their physical and emotional boundaries without fear of judgment, allowing for deep personal growth and empowerment. My Fight Clubs are political soft spaces for tactical and strategic thinking, where we learn how to navigate power dynamics, resist domination, and stand up for ourselves. Here, I empower individuals to become agents of transformation, starting with their own personal development. My Fight Clubs are spaces of leadership outside of the capitalist framework. Here, we explore our unique leadership styles and reclaim agency, fostering confidence, and developing the skills necessary to occupy space and effect change. Azt hiszem engem nem az érdekel, hogy milyen ösztöndíjak vannak a piacon, hanem például hogy milyen más lehetőségei vannak egy mai magyar kortárs képzőművésznek arra, hogy konkrétan ne haljon éhen. Az ösztöndíj rendszer, mellesleg romokban, mellesleg egy szűk szekta kezében, egy-egy kivétellel, alamizsna, semmiképpen sem megoldás.
A pályázati rendszer egy iszonyú toxikus függőség. Egy drog, amire rászoktatják a művészeket, egy kiszolgáltatott helyzet, ami észre sem veszed milyen megalázó és hitvány. Amikor pályázol, és elfogadod, hogy a rendszer része leszel, tudd, hogy ezzel leginkább egy szűk réteg hatalmi pozícióját erősíted. Feletted. Ettől függetlenül nem a művészeket hibáztatom, értem miért pályáztok, én is volt, hogy pályáztam. De nem is a pályázati rendszert, hiszen maga a rendszer teljesen logikus, hogy létrejön, és ultra liberális kapitalista eszmével kapva kap művészek nyomorán. Én a művészetoktatási rendszert hibáztatom, amiért erre a cuccra szoktatja a diákokat. Amiért nem mutat nekik mást. Amiért megnyomorítja művészek önbecsülését egy demagóg, hazug retorikával. Amiért nem hisz a diákokban, és nem nyit ki előttük új kapukat! Nem az volna a dolga a jelenlegi művészetoktatási rendszernek, hogy ismerteti a diákokkal a létező pályázatokat, hanem hogy támogatja és bátorítja őket abban, hogy megtalálják a függetlenségük útját, segít nekik abban, hogy művészként hogyan tudnak a saját lábukra állni. A School of Disobedience ebben is más, hogy az akadémiával ellentétben nem a függőségre, hanem az önállóságra nevel! Q & A with Anna Ádám, Founder of the School of Disobedience
Q: Anna, could you tell us about the inspiration behind founding the School of Disobedience? A: The School of Disobedience was born out of a deep commitment to challenge conventional norms in art education and beyond. It merges my passion for creation, research, non-formal education, and community activism into a cohesive vision aimed at fostering personal and social transformation. Q: How does the School of Disobedience integrate non-formal interdisciplinary performance art education? A: Our Multidisciplinary Dance Performance Studies Program is at the heart of our educational mission. It offers a space where participants explore art not just as a skill but as a tool for personal liberation and social change. We blend embodied practices with theoretical insights to create a dynamic learning environment that encourages experimentation and critical thinking. Q: What role does empowerment play within the framework of the School of Disobedience? A: Empowerment is central to our ethos. Through our Fight Club, we utilize play fighting and self-defense as pathways to reclaiming body autonomy and voice. This practice empowers individuals to confront societal norms and stereotypes, fostering self-confidence and resilience. Q: Could you elaborate on the transformative aspect of the School of Disobedience’s retreats? A: Our summer and fall retreats are designed as spaces of transformation. Here, participants engage in activities that promote emotional and spiritual well-being, using art and community support to navigate personal and societal challenges. It’s about creating a nurturing environment where development and growth can flourish. Q: How does the School of Disobedience contribute to research in non-formal education and community activism? A: We see ourselves as a laboratory for exploring alternative approaches to education and activism. By blending artistic practices with critical inquiry, we aim to push boundaries and challenge established norms. Our goal is to contribute new insights and methodologies that can inspire broader social change. Q: What are your hopes for the future of the School of Disobedience? A: I envision the School of Disobedience as a catalyst for a more inclusive and liberated society. My hope is to continue reaching more individuals who seek to explore their creativity, reclaim their agency, and challenge the status quo. Together, we can co-create a world where disobedience becomes a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. For years, I've been turning down institutional requests disguised as "theater education programs" or "museum pedagogy workshops." These methods, with their demagogic smiles, infantilize and playfully manipulate audiences of children, adults, seniors, or marginalized groups. "Taste-shaping" becomes propaganda and manipulation, especially when institutions mold artists into producing similar works that fit their own agenda. Convincing people that this is "the" art, or this is how it "should" be interpreted, is akin to telling someone what to think, what qualifies as art, what to applaud, and when. These sessions don't aim to foster critical thinking; instead, they promote indoctrination and dogmatic worship.
Most museum pedagogy and theater education programs can be seen as mere sales strategies—a means to expand the institution's target audience and promote the artists it represents. But in terms of pedagogy and education, they're utterly irrelevant—don't be fooled! In fact, neither theater education programs nor museum pedagogy would be necessary if artists created art directly for their audience, rather than relying on intermediaries like curators, critics, and art historians who interpret and explain artworks in cryptic language. These intermediaries are like translators decoding jargon and unraveling academic puzzles. But why? I believe that, eventually, artists will create directly for their audience rather than for intermediaries. They won't aim to please a narrow circle but to reach broader audiences. They won't seek to prove themselves but to connect. They won't close off but open up. They'll share and give. To achieve this, I think we need a radical transformation in academic art education. Artists must be socialized in a platform where they learn to break free from conventions. They shouldn't aim to fit into art history but to break out of it. They shouldn't seek continuity and assimilation but rupture. They shouldn't look back to the past, rely on existing rhetoric, follow trends, or boast about following someone else's path. Instead of writing a new chapter in the book, they should come up with something entirely new. Therefore, what we need today is an art education that doesn't produce cannon fodder but independent and critical artists who create freely, experiment boldly, and aren't afraid to explore new territories. The School of Disobedience is exactly that. "This event doesn't want to be anything more than a performance evening.
This evening is radical because it's simple, honest, and generous. It doesn't compare people and it doesn't think in terms of competition. Its courage lies in its freedom. Its freedom is where it finds its courage." WHY CHOOSE A REHEARSAL ROOM FOR THE PERFORMANCE EVENING? ➤ To foster an environment of experimentation. Rather than presenting a polished performance, we aim to explore and refine our ideas. This process invites spectators to actively engage and participate in the creative journey. It's an open invitation for those intrigued by the creative process to join us. For those seeking a more traditional experience, the theater awaits. The setting is deliberately informal, devoid of judgment or pressure. Here, freedom reigns supreme — freedom to create, to experiment, to play. WHY OFFER THE PERFORMANCE NIGHT FREE OF CHARGE? ➤ Performance Night operates on a non-curated basis, eschewing judgment in favor of inclusivity. By limiting submissions to the first 8 entries, we sidestep the pitfalls of canonization, ensuring diversity and spontaneity in our lineup. This approach liberates us from the constraints of uniformity and predetermined expectations regarding form, content, or professionalism. Embracing contingency and unpredictability, we open the door to limitless possibilities. The evening remains free as a collective effort, sustained by the contributions of all involved — organizers, performers, audience members, and venue hosts alike. Let's nurture this shared endeavor, fostering a space where freedom thrives within a supportive framework. Together, we uphold the essence of our community, cherishing our collective autonomy and creative expression. IS THIS WHERE ORBÁN BASHING AND SYSTEM SMASHING GO DOWN? ➤ No, Performance Night isn't a platform exclusively reserved for anti-establishment discourse. While we encourage taboo-breaking and critical thinking, divergent opinions are welcome, even if they challenge mainstream narratives. However, if you're performing, we urge you to uphold freedom of expression and individual liberties, respecting the distinction between political activism, political art, and propaganda. It's essential not to impose personal beliefs on others. In essence: express yourself freely, but do so with consideration! Over the past year, we've cultivated an audience that's wonderfully diverse, spanning age, culture, and ideology. This diversity enriches our event, and it's something worth preserving. Let's work together to ensure Performance Night remains a space that's free, inclusive, and respectful of differing perspectives. Let's refrain from turning it into a platform for any specific political, religious, or ideological agenda. Let it remain what it is: a beacon of freedom, inclusivity, and acceptance. "Ez az esemény nem akar több lenni, mint ami: egy performansz est.
Ez az est attól radikális, hogy egyszerű, őszinte és nagylelkű. Nem méricskél, nem hasonlít össze, és nem versengésben gondolkodik. Attól bátor, hogy szabad. Attól szabad, hogy bátor." MIÉRT PRÓBATEREMBE SZERVEZITEK A PERFORMANSZ ESTET? ➤ Azért, hogy elkerüljük a félreértést: Mi itt kiPRÓBÁLUNK dolgokat. Nem bemutatunk egy kész előadást, hanem ötletekkel kísérletezünk. És ennek a kísérletezésnek a folyamatába lehet nézőként betekineni. Akit ez érdekel, az eljön. Akit nem, az színházba megy. A keret tiszta, ahogyan az is, hogy ebből kifolyólag nincs ítélkezés, nincs teher és nincs nyomás. Szabad alkotás a menü, szabad kísérletezés. Játék. MIÉRT INGYENES A PERFORMANSZ EST? ➤ Azért, mert a Performansz Est nem egy kurált esemény, nem zsűrizzük a beérkezett anyagokat, hanem az első 8 jelentkező után lezárjuk a felhívást. Ezzel kiküszöböljük a kanonizációt, az ízlés- és véleményformálást, azt, hogy az este "egységes" legyen (minek?), és azt is, hogy a produkciók bármilyen formai, tartalmi, szakmai, esztétikai stb. elvárásnak megfeleljenek. Ugyanakkor garantálni sem tudunk semmit, itt senki sem tudja mire lehet majd számítani. Emiatt az esetlegesség és kiszámíthatatlanság miatt ingyenes az est, és egyébként addig tud ingyenes maradni, ameddig ezt közösen csináljuk, és mindenki tesz bele egy kicsit! Ki szervez, ki előad, ki néz és visszajelez, ki a teret adja, ki a teret tartja... Ez egy közös ügy, vigyázzunk egymásra, a térre, a keretre, a keret által garantált szabadságunkra. ITT MEGY AZ ORBÁNOZÁS MEG A RENDSZERKRITIKA? ➤ Nem. Tabu döntögetés, kritikus gondolkodás, ellenvélemény megfogalmazása jöhet, természetesen akkor is, ha ellene megy a közegünk mainstream retorikájának. Ellenben ha előadnál, arra kérünk tartsd tiszteletben a szabad véleményformálást és az egyéni szabadságjogokat, tegyél különbséget a politikai aktivizmus, a politikai művészet és a propaganda között, és ne azért gyere ide, hogy a saját nézeteidet másokra ráerőltesd. Vagyis: elmondhatod, hogy mit gondolsz, de nagyon nem mindegy, hogy ezt hogyan teszed! Az elmúlt egy év alatt ugyanis sikerült egy olyan eseméyt létrehozni, aminek a közönsége valóban tág és diverz. Nagyon különbözőek vagyunk, nem csak életkorban, kulturálisan, társadalmilag, hanem nézetek és gondolkodás terén is. Szerintem ez érték, és erre szeretnék vigyázni! Segítsetek, hogy ez így maradhasson, és ne legyen a Performansz Estből "egy bizonyos" politikai, vallási, ideológiai, retorikai irányt képviselő tér. Maradjon annak, ami: SZABAD, BEFOGADÓ és ELFOGADÓ. |
Author"Born in Budapest (Hungary) in 1983, I graduated from the ENSAPC Art School (France) in 2016. As an artist, researcher, and community activist, I harness the power of art for connection, education, and activism. My practice spans various mediums, including image, object, and performance. I create full-length visual and dance performances, short-format pieces, and immersive experiences, while also creating spaces for non-formal education outside of traditional academic heritage. Over the past two decades, I've founded the School of Disobedience, established my own performance art company (Gray Box), and launched the annual Wildflowers Festival. I embrace everything unusual, unexpected, and nonconformist. I am not kind with assholes and have learned to forge my own path. I am here to guide you in thinking outside the box and achieving independence. To me, the real party is outside the confines of the established canon." Archives
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