Visuality, Dromology and Time Compression

Abstract

This article presents a case for retheorizing visual culture, by establishing conceptual links between visuality, dromology and time compression. More specifically, it establishes the mutually constitutive relationship forged between visuality and the Western cultural imperative to compress the transmission time delay of visualizing technologies. I argue that the Western cultural pursuit of ubiquitous and simultaneous vision not only creates a new form of ocularcentrism, but generates potentially detrimental consequences for ‘human relations’ and diminishes human control over democratic processes. The article is enriched and focused by drawing upon the recent work of Paul Virilio. Virilio’s phenomenologically inspired critique of visualizing technology prompts us to rethink visuality as an active, embodied practice constituting important lived experiences.