The Cybernetic Cultures Research Unit (CCRU) existed for a brief period (1995 – 2001) in a parasitic relation to the University of Warwick, UK. It comprised of a loose grouping of theorists, writers, artists and musicians including Nick Land, Steve Goodman (Kode9), Mark Fisher and Kodwo Eshun. Infused with a sense of productive possibilities that might emerge from the de-subjectifying character of neoliberal capitalism as well as the dark flows of the rave and jungle scenes, the CCRU produced a ‘theory fiction’ from which the concept of ‘accelerationism’ emerged. The meaning of this term presents competing claims but, broadly speaking, can be understood as an attempt to collapse capitalist logics under the weight of their internal contradictions. The CCRU emerged at a time when digital technology still had an alien quality in our lives, while a badly bruised but not yet beaten welfare system was still in place. In this event, curated by Benjamin Fallon and hosted by Index – The Swedish Contemporary Art Foundation, Fisher will introduce the concepts and histories of this organisation.
Mark Fisher is a writer, theorist and educator who has written and spoken widely on politics, media and culture. He is the author of ‘Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?’ (2009, Zer0 Books) his new book ‘Ghosts of my Life’ will be published later this year. He is currently Programme Leader of the MA in Aural and Visual Cultures at Goldsmiths London and a lecturer at University of East London.