A research project exploring a subculture, art movement, or music scene
The Subculture Factory research group will attempt to create its own entirely original subculture from
the ground up. Using a hodgepodge of obscure films, music, writings, and artwork for inspiration and
direction, we will embrace the absurdity of this endeavor and revel in the freedom of thought and
expression that the unlikeliness of immediate renown allots us. Though we will suspect that such
breakthroughs cannot be forced, through the insistence of the instructor we will doggedly manufacture
our shared identity, distinctive meanings, and resistance to “conventional” society. At every turn, we
will ask ourselves, “What would Damo Suzuki do?” In moments of advanced indecision, we will
consult Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt’s Oblique Strategies advice cards. Our forever incomplete,
always expanding, list of heroes will include: Björk, David Lynch, Naoko Yamano, Rob Halford, and
Thundercat. We use the word “factory” in honor of Andy Warhol and the scene that gave birth to the
Velvet Underground, who we believe to be the most important rock band in history. The Subculture
Factory research group hopes to attract artists, musicians, writers, performers, visionaries, enthusiasts
of any kind, and misfits. Our core belief is that destined creative interactions and cross-pollinations
lead to works of staggering beauty.
Classes are built around students presenting research related to subcultural writings, movies, music,
and artwork. The students will present their findings and interactions with this material as research.
They will not simply be describing these works, but developing interpretations while connecting the
work to subcultural theories or sociological concepts. Each class will include students presenting their
research while their classmates give feedback, and the instructor gives detailed guidance. We will focus
on nine subcultures (art scenes, music scenes, creative movements, etc.), before the seminar shifts to
a workshop style Subculture Factory for the last four classes.