The City: Borders and Definitions

Workshop

Despite being a product of human activity, “the city” scarcely goes in for definitions. On one hand, it introduces itself as a whole system; on the other hand, it seems as if it’s constantly trying to hide its underlying binary principle. This principle is manifested in various phenomena: in architectural solutions, social relations, and different psychological processes. The presence of opposing processes in balance already refers to the existence of the city. However, it doesn’t come to those contrasts being in balance: the city itself gives birth to unbalanced states.

Civilization, civility and politics: in the context of these paradigms, the concept of citizenship refers more to the subject’s social space rather than the physical space of its existence; that is, the habitat. The initial stage of being conscious of oneself as a citizen is the realization of the urban context in which the individual has appeared. Subsequently, the subject repositions himself with respect to the given context, specifying demands and responsibilities in one’s environment, since, as a point of support; it also has the perception of the other in its mind.

What are the factors by which reorientation and self-consciousness are conditioned? Where do mine end and the other’s – begin? Is it (somehow) possible, to follow that process? These practical lessons aim at outlining various paths to approach these issues. Yerevan and Ijevan will become those other environments where the city’s borders and definitions are played out.

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Student workshop between YSU Ijevan branch and Armenian Open University – Department of fine arts.
Organized by Art Criticism and Curatorial Training School, AICA Armenia’s students – Harutyun Alpetyan and Nvard Yerkanian.