unprocedure

Unprocedure refers to a conceptual framework or artistic exploration that deliberately subverts or deconstructs the conventional understanding of a procedure. Rather than outlining a step-by-step method for achieving a specific outcome, an unprocedure might present a series of actions that are intentionally ambiguous, contradictory, or lead to unexpected results. It often challenges the idea of efficiency, control, and predictable outcomes inherent in traditional procedures.

The term can be applied in various contexts, including art, design, and performance. In art, an unprocedure might be a set of instructions for creating a piece that encourages spontaneity and embraces error or randomness. In design, it could be a way of thinking about problem-solving that abandons a linear approach in favor of exploration and iterative disruption. The underlying principle is a questioning of established methods and a willingness to explore the unknown or the seemingly nonsensical.

Unprocedures often highlight the limitations of rigid systems and the potential for creativity that emerges from breaking away from prescribed paths. They can serve as a commentary on the overemphasis on process and the desire for control in many aspects of modern life. By offering a counterpoint to the structured and goal-oriented nature of typical procedures, unprocedures invite a different mode of engagement and a broader perspective on creation and problem-solving.