We were disappointed not to be able to attend the recent Fourth World Congress of Psychogeography, which by all accounts was a great success.
The opening address by Phil Smith (aka Crab Man, aka Mythogeography), is a fascinating and thought-provoking missive on the state of psychogeography and the walking arts today. You can read, download and share it here:
Also check out Phil’s Mythogeography website – ‘an ambulatory goldmine’ and his books published by Triarchy Press.
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One of the points Phil makes is the need to rethink the drift on a smaller scale. In the gaps, in the smallest fractures, in small disruptions to personal routines; the late running of a train that allows you a few minutes to explore the hinterland around a station.
A recent personal example was the unexpected distress visit to a garage when a section of exhaust pipe fell off the car. Whilst the new part was being sourced and fitted, a short walk around the immediate environs:
Crack-
ed slab scree
c o b b l e s
c o b b l e d
in p O O l
-ing light
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Now playing: The Soft Machine – s/t (with a nod to Boyle Family).
Murdo Eason - From Hill to Sea 
4 replies on “Psychogeography Extreme – Phil Smith (+ one small fracture)”
footbook 🙂
I agree about smaller drifts. Much better idea than sitting staring at your phone.
‘the walking arts’ – good phrase! Is that a thing? I hope so 🙂
Thanks Steve. There are a couple of books that spring to mind that might be worth a look: ‘The Art of Walking: A Field Guide’ edited by David Evans and ‘Walk On, From Richard Long to Janet Cardiff, 40 Years of Art Walking’. The latter is a catalogue to what was a touring exhibition but I think can still be gotten hold of and works as a book on its own. Both texts have numerous examples of the quite diverse practices of walking artists.