Art + Squat = X

Abstract

What is the role of artists and art in squats? This text is framed by the ideas of counterculture and "exodus" to autonomy, influenced by anarchism and left politics. Artists are not at home in the capitalist system. Subculture reinforces resistant actions. There are multiple histories of squatting in European countries with communal nature. Art in squats is part of social movement culture. Text details several case studies of New York City artists in the squatting movement there and remarks on artists' relation to the squatting movement in Europe. Musicians, street artists, filmmakers, media activists are also centrally involved. The concept of “monster institutions”, social practice art, and the institutionalization of former occupations are discussed.