_positions XXII: Mohsen Mostafavi and Homi Bhabha

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of the information lies in its interdisciplinary approach, connecting architecture, art history, and cultural theory. Mostafavi’s argument is well-supported by historical examples and theoretical references, such as Max Raphael’s analysis of paintings and the evolution of black in modern art. The discussion is intellectually stimulating, offering a fresh perspective on a often-overlooked aspect of architectural aesthetics. The argumentation is solid, though it is conversational and assumes a certain level of familiarity with the topics.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The sources cited are credible and relevant, including works by Le Corbusier, Max Raphael, and contemporary artists. The title accurately reflects the content, as it is a conversation between the two scholars. The discussion is rigorous in its historical and theoretical grounding, though it is not a formal academic presentation. The adéquation between title and content is strong, as the conversation directly addresses the themes suggested by the title.

The title accurately reflects the content: a conversation between Mohsen Mostafavi and Homi Bhabha as part of the _positions series.

8/10

The conversation features two eminent scholars, Mohsen Mostafavi and Homi Bhabha, discussing the role of the color black in architecture and art. The discussion is grounded in historical and theoretical references, including Max Raphael, Le Corbusier, and contemporary artists. The content is intellectually rigorous, though it is a conversational format rather than a peer-reviewed presentation.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 00:00Introduction of speakers by Grace La, chair of the Department of Architecture.
• 03:00Mostafavi begins discussing the color black, contrasting it with the traditional emphasis on whiteness in architecture.
• 10:00Mostafavi introduces Max Raphael and his writings on the material constitution of form.
• 20:00Discussion of the role of black in art, referencing artists like Frans Hals and Goya.
• 30:00Mostafavi connects black to contemporary artists like Pierre Soulages and Kerry James Marshall.
• 40:00Bhabha contributes on the cultural and political dimensions of blackness, referencing double consciousness.
• 50:00Discussion of the Negritude movement and its influence on art and architecture.
• 1:00:00Mostafavi talks about his book 'The Color Black' and its structure.
• 1:10:00Q&A session begins, with audience questions.

• The Color Black: Antinomies of a Color in Architecture and Art — Mostafavi's book discussed in the conversation.
• The Location of Culture — Bhabha's influential work referenced in the introduction.
• The Souls of Black Folk — Referenced in discussion of double consciousness.
• Black Skin, White Masks — Fanon's work mentioned in relation to blackness.

• The Color Black: Antinomies of a Color in Architecture and Art — The book is the primary subject of the conversation.