Demands of the diagram: creative abduction in artists’ research and practice

ABSTRACT This is the introductory article by the guest editor of a special issue of Journal of Visual Art Practice, under the title of ‘Demands of the Diagram’. It addresses the work of the six contributing artists who explore different aspects of the ‘diagram’ at the intersection of history, philosophy, science, semiotics and art, in relation to their own and others’ creative practices. The article addresses emerging themes of embodiment, evolution and ethics arising out of the discussions, situating them with reference to C. S. Peirce and his theory of creative abduction. In conclusion, the author calls on the work of Isabelle Stengers to argue for the diagram as a commons, where heterogenous knowledges might co-create, helping to make us fit to respond to the demands of our time.