This event concerns the relations between the work of Walter Benjamin and critical thought in Latin America. Since the 1970s Benjamin’s work has been extremely influential for Southern Cone artists and intellectuals in particular, and this influence took on unique characteristics during the dictatorships of the late 20 th century and the concomitant rise of neoliberalism, when Benjamin’s idiosyncratic mix of Marxism and cultural criticism resonated with efforts to respond to the multifarious manifestations of power and ideology in the region. Willy Thayer, Elizabeth Collingwood-Selby, and Federico Galende (currently in residence in RLL as a visiting professor in Wi 18), are some of the central figures of contemporary Chilean critical thought, and they have all been strongly influenced by Benjamin. This colloquium is an occasion to consider the intersections of Benjamin’s work and critical thought in Latin America, including the ways in which the historical, political, and cultural registers that confronted Benjamin resemble or differ from those confronting contemporary Latin America.

Professors Thayer, Collingwood-Selby and Galende will deliver papers, followed by a discussion. This event is free and open to the public.