The Spirituality of the Carbocene: on Coal and Art in Upper Silesia

Agata Stronciwilk

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Chapter 3 The Spirituality of the Carbocene: on Coal and Art in Upper Silesia

In: Enchanted Socialist Modernity

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Agata Stronciwilk

Agata Stronciwilk
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 88–108

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004747470_005

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Abstract

Timothy James LeCain proposed an alternative term for the Anthropocene, emphasizing the dependence on burning hydrocarbons. Defining the Carbocene as the age of coal and oil, he mentions the tremendous power of hydrocarbon fuel sources and the influence their excavation had on the environment. This paper concentrates on Upper Silesian art (particularly the Janowska Group). It argues that the spiritual dimension of non-professional Upper Silesian art is not solely the result of Teofil Ociepka’s occult and esoteric influences. The spiritual aspect is also connected with the symbolism and metaphysics of exploring (and exploiting) the underground. There is a certain metaphysics in coal as an organic-based matter – the metaphysics of life which is excavated and burned. The underground space of a coal mine was once considered sacred, and the fear and awe of exploring the inner world was visible in coal miners’ belief systems, customs, and art. The article also examines the relationship between the Janowska Group and communist authorities.

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Enchanted Socialist Modernity

Art of Central and Eastern Europe (1945–1989) in the Face of Alternative Spirituality

Series: Aries Book Series, Volume: 41

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004747470

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Dec 2025

Subjects
- Philosophy
  - Philosophy of Religion
- Religious Studies
  - Sociology of Religion
  - Religion and the Arts

Front Matter

Part 1 Persisting Spiritual Traditions in Times of Political Ruptures

Part 2 Utopias between Social Experiment and Esotericism

Part 3 Art as a Spiritual Practice

Part 4 From Spiritual Counter-modernism to the Neo-avant-garde

Part 5 Towards Capitalist Esotericism

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Chapter 3 The Spirituality of the Carbocene: on Coal and Art in Upper Silesia

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Enchanted Socialist Modernity

Art of Central and Eastern Europe (1945–1989) in the Face of Alternative Spirituality

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