Vectofascism: From Riefenstahl to Trump

We usually recognize fascism by its well-known symbols, gestures, and statements: the swastika, the raised right fist, calls for racial purity. How useful are these characteristics today, when fascist tendencies, however hidden and vague they may be, are re-emerging in global politics, amid Trump’s stand-up performances? Drawing on the concept of “vectofascism” developed by French artist and theorist Grégory Chatonsky, this lecture will outline the transformation of fascist aesthetics since the days of Hitler and Riefenstahl and highlight the role of digital technologies, algorithms, or so-called artificial intelligence. To understand the current, elusive face of fascism, we must identify what constitutes today’s reality, not just the reality as portrayed by the media.