The Anxious Spiral

Fijalkowski, Krzysztof (2023) The Anxious Spiral. In: Pattern and Chaos in Art, Science and Everyday Life: Critical Intersections and Creative Practice. Intellect, pp. 18-30. ISBN 9781789387803

Abstract

This essay considers the figure of the spiral as a universal morphological form, symbol and myth, with particular focus on its appearance in the international avant-garde through figures such as Alfred Jarry, Marcel Duchamp, Frederick Kiesler and groups including Cobra and the Situationist International. Looking at a range of examples, from spirals in scientific and archaeological contexts to the appearance of the spiral in art, architecture, literature, photography and film, it pays particular attention to the spiral’s ability to connect the apparently polarised dynamics of pattern and chaos, and examines the availability of this privileged figure to divergent paths running from ideas of spirituality and sacred geometry to mid- and late-twentieth century representations of anxiety, hysteria and mind control.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item