Cybersentics Monthly Book Club: Ars vs. Techne—A False Dichotomy?

Join us this month at the Cybersentics Book Club, where we dive into Lewis Mumford’s seminal work, Art and Technics (1952). This thought-provoking text examines the tension between technological efficiency and the deeper rituals, values, and imaginative frameworks that give our everyday lives meaning.

This Month's Reading:

• Mumford, L. (1952). Art and Technics. Columbia University Press.
  (Included with RSVP: You’ll receive the reading link in your confirmation email)

About Art and Technics:

Mumford's lectures at Columbia University unveil the conflict between two contrasting approaches to life: one driven by efficiency and the other by meaning. This discourse is particularly relevant in the Bay Area, where tech entrepreneurs and humanists often share geographic space without much ideological overlap, leading to widening socioeconomic divides. Furthermore, we will examine how technologies such as AI and surveillance, instead of being mere tools for knowledge, serve more as instruments of control.

About the Cybersentics Book Club:

Hosted by Gray Area, this engaging reading group explores the intersection of art and technology. In our first cycle, we will reflect on the bidirectional flow of information between our bodies and the environment, investigating themes like biofeedback alongside cyborg art.

This book club caters to artists, makers, researchers, scholars, engineers, and anyone intrigued by the fusion of technology and art. Together, we aim to enhance our sensory experiences and challenge perceptions through discussions on biofeedback, sonification, and more.

Our Mission:

We strive to build a welcoming community that encourages knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Whether you're looking to connect with peers, find answers to your inquiries, or engage in critical discussions, this is your space!

The Cybersentics Book Club is organized and led by Anastasia Chernysheva, a Gray Area Research Fellow, as part of the Biofeedback Art|Research Network (BARN).

Accessibility:

• All ages are welcome; high school reading level or above is recommended.
• Hosted upstairs in the Gray Area Incubator, which is not wheelchair or mobility accessible.
• For more information, please view our FAQ page or contact us at info@grayarea.org with any accommodation requests.

📍 Location: Gray Area / Grand Theater
🎟️ Get your tickets here!