Defining a ‘Pataphysical Stance for Arts-Based Research

Abstract

This article proposes a ‘pataphysical turn for arts-based research through the work of Alfred Jarry. Jarry outlined a unique research program that falls neatly neither into scientific inquiry nor artistic creation. Rather, this type of research can be defined in terms of three interconnected themes: (1) a postmetaphysical examination of the laws of particularities, (2) an investigation of extreme cases, and (3) the constitution of imaginary solutions. In this article, I attempt to give a brief analysis of these themes with reference to contemporary philosopher Giorgio Agamben (who translated Jarry’s work into Italian) and Gilles Deleuze (who was inspired by ‘pataphysics). The conclusion offers a tentative example of what ‘pataphysical arts-based research might look like and identifies parodic criteria for evaluating “patadata” production.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

¹ For a more extensive analysis of Jarry in relation to Agamben, see Lewis (in press).