Bruce Hainley

In the introduction to Hatred of Capitalism (2002) – a collection of Semiotext(e)’s foremost writings – editor Sylvère Lotringer remarked that, when he launched the press in 1974, Western society was ‘in the last gasp of Marxism’ – a final surge of radical thought amidst the waning tides of revolutionary fervour.

Gary Indiana in front of his Los Angeles apartment building, 2021 On the phone he would often break into song. The last time he did this it was Alvin and the Chipmunks’ rendition of “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” sung in a chipmunk voice. He would sing songs by Dory Previn and quote her lyrics, some of which scored his art and essays, but his signature number was “Who Taught Her Everything (She Knows).” Trouper, he knew all the songs of Funny Girl.

On the phone he would often break into song. The last time he did this it was Alvin and the Chipmunks’ rendition of “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” sung in a chipmunk voice. He would sing songs by Dory Previn and quote her lyrics, some of which scored his art and essays, but his signature number was “Who Taught Her Everything (She Knows).” Trouper, he knew all the songs of Funny Girl.