Making things public

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This monumental ZKM publication redefines politics as a concern for the things around which the fluid and expansive public gathers, featuring contributions from over 100 writers and artists. In a time of political turmoil, it challenges traditional notions of politics, suggesting that it operates in the realm of things rather than merely as an arena or system. The book poses essential questions about how things are made public and explores the concept of a republic, or res publica, in this context. It highlights various assemblies that engage the public around things—such as scientific laboratories, supermarkets, churches, and natural resource disputes—beyond the conventional political sphere. The authors examine the implications of centering politics around disputed things and the new atmospheric conditions—technologies, interfaces, platforms, and networks—that facilitate the public engagement of these things. They argue that the traditional definition of politics is too narrow, emphasizing the diverse techniques of representation in politics, science, and art, with Parliaments and Congresses being just a part of the landscape. Esteemed thinkers like Richard Rorty, Donna Haraway, and others contribute to this discourse, complemented by excerpts from literary figures such as Shakespeare and Melville. The publication is richly illustrated with over 500 color images that support the concept of "object-oriented democracy."