These concepts may have strong significance for the social-political processes here in Bolivia, where society appears torn apart between different paradigms: straight forward investments (‘mortar and bricks will provide you with a better life…’) and on the other hand an ecology and tradition based growth (‘ancestors’ wisdom should lead the way forward’). The picture of the indigenous chief, using his mobile phone to check market prices of tropical wood products, before negotiating with the enterprise…. So, necessarily forced to harmonize two worlds, two visions or paradigms, with all the tensions and contradictions.
However, the question here is the relation with art. Can art contribute to life stories, to enhanced coherence and meaning, or personal autonomy? Should a life story be considered as a form of art? We have seen the importance of poetry for Ginsberg and Kerouac, with often strong autobiographic content. ‘Howl’ is a life story. And there many similar examples in the plastic arts, seeking innovation, debate or dialogue, or resistance, so as a means for the artist to articulate or relate him/herself to society, ideology and so forth.