Cynicism, Resistance, and Art: Inquiries from Foucault's Late Work

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between cynicism, resistance and art from the perspective of the late Foucault. First, cynicism is analyzed as the courage of truth, understood not only as a radical critique of power, but also as a life practice that challenges established norms. From this basis, cynicism is examined as a form of resistance, considering how its disruptive potential allows to confront structures of domination and propose new forms of subjectivation. Subsequently, the relationship between cynicism and pleasure is addressed, highlighting that the cynical philosopher is not a slave to desire, but seeks simple and natural pleasures, in tune with nature. For the cynic, it is not a matter of rejecting pleasure, but of avoiding those desires whose satisfaction depends on others. Thus, the search for accessible pleasures, free from external ties, becomes a strategy of self-determination and resistance to the mechanisms of social control. Finally, the relationship between contemporary art and cynicism is analyzed. According to Foucault, Modern art no longer seeks imitation or ornamentation, but a radical exercise of unmasking and reducing existence to its essence. Thus, cynicism in art becomes a practice of truth that challenges the dominant discourses and reveals new possibilities of resistance.