Cut-up

This chapter explores the cut-up as an active, affirmative and performative technique; a critical intervention in the production of language and human subjectivity. It examines historical uses of cut-up methods, from the collages and cut-up works of the Dadaists and the Beat writers, back to the early modern practice of commonplacing books. It highlights the importance of technology--from the xerox machine to keyboard shortcuts—in opening up the reworking of words, sounds and visuals to a wider population. Finally, it explores how remix theory has been instrumental in engaging issues of authorship, originality, and ownership that cut-up practices pose.