The no opens cracks, the yes opens autonomous spaces. Perhaps they look the same, but they are not. The idea of ‘autonomous space’ suggests a space in which we can enjoy, maintain and defend a certain degree of autonomy. This is very attractive but also dangerous. If such a space becomes self-referential, it can easily stagnate: socialism in one social centre or one region is probably not much better than socialism in one country. Cracks, on the other hand, do not stay still: they run, they spread. They cannot be defended; or, rather, their only defence is to run faster and deeper than the hand of the plasterer that would fill them.

John Holloway

Advertisement