Method Painting, Method Poem, Method Music (Methodicist Manifesto)

      A large number of tautologies seen in every art and every science of the twentieth century, which democratic systems have given rise to, should now be talked about again as a single principle, by being reduced to method, not to form. Meaninglessness, which is what tautologies mean, does not excuse sensualism nor the mob, and it rather requests stoicism and discipline for its authorization.
      Method painting is a colored plane which is overlaid on method itself, prohibiting chance and improvisation. However, real colors which cause pleasure will sometimes be replaced scrupulously with other materials.
      Method poem is a row of letters which comes to method itself, prohibiting personalization and absorption. However, real letters which epicize lyric will sometimes be alternated scrupulously with other signs.
      Method music is a vibrating time which embodies method itself, prohibiting expression and tempo. However, real vibrations which vary eros will sometimes be exchanged scrupulously for other events.
      These method arts, on the one hand, return to the tradition which each form depends on, and on the other hand, sing in chorus a single principle in the same age. We, methodicists, doubt liberty and equality which have produced license and indolence in arts and sciences, and reinstate logics as ethics.

Supplement 1
Motoaki Shinohara has been calling his own compositions method poems since about ten years ago. While respecting his activities, we use the words with a broad reinterpretation.

Supplement 2
Those in favor of this manifesto can forward it to acquaintances on your own responsibility, adding "In favor, Name, (profession)" at the end. Those partially in favor and those not in favor can also do in the same way. Or, you can of course forward it without adding your name.

January 1, 2000

Drafter: Hideki Nakazawa (artist)
Draft observer: Shigeru Matsui (poet)
Draft observer: Tomomi Adachi (musician)


to japanese
back