demagogue /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/ from Greek dēmos (people) & agōgos (to lead). From Ancient Greece to Jonathan Swift, the term meant a leader of the people with great oratorical skills. However, in the early XVIII century the meaning shifted to a populist agitator giving false promises to gain power.
Whether a Silicon Valley executive giving a presentation, a Brussels politician in a TV debate, a Hindu guru with a Facebook page, China’s party advertizing, or an Instagram user from Belgrade - they are all, partially, demagogues.
In the XXI century, this has far-reaching consequences because “all media are extensions of some human faculty - psychic or physical” (Marshall McLuhan). Add real-world power to the mix, and you get today’s political landscape.
It is our aim - through an artistic and playful use of digital media - to navigate the space from the contemporary to the ancient idea of a “demagogue.”
In the XXI century, this has far-reaching consequences because “all media are extensions of some human faculty - psychic or physical” (Marshall McLuhan). Add real-world power to the mix, and you get today’s political landscape.
It is our aim - through an artistic and playful use of digital media - to navigate the space from the contemporary to the ancient idea of a “demagogue.”
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Demagog Studio