The installation that I chose to examine is the “Under the Influence” installation by Williams Burroughs. Some of its key features include an envelope addressed to someone named Miles. The envelope contains several cut-up pieces of paper that have random texts. Another key feature of this installation is the quote by William Burroughs that states, “Language is a virus from outer space.” There are also three short paragraphs that discuss Burroughs interest in finding and discovering “new ways of thinking, living, writing, and being.” What drew me to this installation is the emphasis on language and the role it plays in society’s understandings of humanity and cultural expression. It appears that Burroughs plays with language to somewhat deconstruct and create new interpretations of the texts that he utilizes. What is also important to note is the emphasis on experimentation during the Beats period; there seemed to be a direct move against convention and tradition.
The installation relates to the theme that we discuss regarding the cultural significance of language, and how artists manipulate language to foster newer, and more nuanced perceptions. This installation reminds me of Marlene Nourbese Philip’s piece, “Discourse on the Logic of Language” and McGuckian’s “Gigot Sleeves.” McGuckian similarly fuses various texts together to create her own poetry. Whereas Phillip revises the archive of language to, in part, trace historical origins and the gendered understandings of culture.
Some of the questions that this installation poses for me is how much of these texts does Burroughs feel is his own creation? “Under the Influence” often refers to drinking or alcohol. How might title relate to the effect of Burroughs’ work? The way I would go about finding some of the answers to these questions would be to go into some of Burroughs’ personal diaries and collections. I would like to trace his inspiration or motivation for this type of work, or “Cut-Ups.”
