Europe: décadence et élan. Images of the eternal return of Abendland.

Abstract

This paper explores the spatiotemporal construction of modern Europe through its cyclical (non-linear and non-symmetrical) self-conscience within a perpetual state of crisis. Following Marramao and Merleau-Ponty’s conjecture, this construction is always opposed to the Other (or its Others), as the Abendland, and it only exists because of the projection of its gaze towards the East. Following a series of images, from the decadent Venetian paintings of the Tiepolos to the artificial suns of Laurent Grasso and other contemporary artists, we seek to unveil the intertwined forces of décadence and élan–which could be translated as ‘impulse’, ‘momentum’ or ‘vigorous spirit’ – that determine the continuous becoming of Europe. These images, reflecting a permanent moment of crisis, are especially relevant for the spatialization of a Europe, since their juxtaposition reverses the rhythm of a linear conception of progress. Instead, they show a recurrent cycle that keeps the unfinished European project in permanent realization.