ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University’s Dr. Greg Blair has published a book that explores a form of wandering as an act of political resistance.
“Errant Bodies, Mobility, and Political Resistance,” was published in September by Palgrave Macmillan. Blair is associate professor of art and Northern Galleries Director at NSU.
The title of his book refers to "errant bodies," a type of physical and philosophical wandering that is intentional, operating as a means of resistance against authoritative forms of power and cultural prescriptions.
The book investigates historical errant bodies including ancient Greek Cynics; Punk Rockers; Situationists; and individuals such as poet/critic Charles Baudelaire, aviator Amelia Earhart, novelist Jack Kerouac, transcendentalist Margaret Fuller, sociologist/cultural theorist Jean Baudrillard, walking artist Hamish Fulton and artist/author Keri Smith.
Blair first began writing about the topic during his spring 2016 sabbatical, after completing an essay about the use of spatial transgression in musical performance. Part of this essay explored how becoming emplaced can be a radical act, especially if it is a place in which one is considered a persona non grata.
“This idea of getting into place got me thinking about those that have actively tried to do the opposite—to get out-of-place,” Blair wrote in his book’s preface.
That initial essay included discussion of Sun Ra, whose music conjures astral projections to mentally transport listeners to a place without rules, prejudice, and bigotry.
“For Sun Ra, space truly was the place,” Blair said. “These were my nascent thoughts about errant bodies, which have been stewed and simmered ever since through numerous conversations and interactions with students, friends and other scholars. The presence of their voices cannot be overstated.”
Blair said he hopes his book can be a catalyst for thinking differently about being out-of-place—“something that can enact real change in the world.”
NSU Dean of the School of Fine Arts Dr. Kenneth Boulton praised Blair for this accomplishment.
“Dr. Blair is not only a gifted visual artist, but a sophisticated and profound conceptualist,” Boulton said. “This major professional accomplishment is a tribute to Dr. Blair’s esteemed reputation, and will make for extremely engaging reading regardless of one’s background.”
Blair has worked at Northern for nine years. A native of Alberta, Canada, he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Lethbridge; a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of North Dakota; and a Ph.D. in Visual Art and Art Theory from the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts based in Portland, Maine.
Blair’s book is available for purchase at the Palgrave Macmillan website.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.