Neo-Baroque

Focusing on contemporary cultural phenomena, Omar Calabrese identifies a "neo-baroque" aesthetic defined by virtuosity, instability, and rapid change. He examines a wide array of artistic forms, from literature to video games, challenging traditional hierarchies by treating all works equally. Calabrese argues that the sheer volume of narratives has led to a poetics of repetition, where pleasure arises from subtle variations and intertextuality. His exploration highlights the diminishing divide between highbrow and lowbrow culture, reflecting a new cultural landscape.