Raw matter: reading works of art from an extra-modern perspective

Abstract

This work aims to present the black light method developed by Brazilian philosopher and artist Denise Ferreira da Silva. Based on the texts “Em estado bruto” (Ferreira da Silva, 2019) and “Luz Negra” (Ferreira da Silva, 2016), I argue that the perspective of black light proposes shifts in relation to the foundations of what we call modern thought. To this end, I investigate which formulations are challenged by the method based on a brief overview of the history of Western metaphysics. Next, I present how thinkers in the field of aesthetics relate to Ferreira da Silva's ideas. Finally, I argue that the black light method proposes a unique critical reflective method for the analysis of artistic works by emphasizing historically undervalued aspects.