Psychogeography

Discuss how psychogeography might have application in contemporary art. List any relevant examples of work that might use similar ideas.

Psychogeography: A Purposeful Drift Through the City by Karen O'Rourke is an article that breaks down the meaning of psychogeography and how it applies to contemporary art. Psychogeography is partially defined as “the fact that you have an opinion about a space the moment you step into it.” It is also described as moving through an urban space in unexpected ways, “getting lost,” and drifting.

My understanding of psychogeography is that it combines geographical navigation with emotions and behaviors impacted by one’s perception of a space. This can apply to contemporary art by examining the same impacts evoked by one’s perception of artwork. The article mentions Giovanni Piranesi’s work, “Labyrinthine Stairways” (pictured below). In the same way that someone could get lost while drifting through a city, your mind can get lost while examining this artwork.

Understanding psychogeography as an artist could help keep viewers intrigued and wanting to explore your work at a deeper level, "getting lost" in their perception of it.