Feeling very uncomfortable with meanings and signifiers.. I think that sure, there are ripples, resonances, effects that link in time with stuff done, but not all consequences and most are seen because of other elements than what seems to be “cause”..
ie cause and effect are baseless logical pattern for Value generation, rather than hard integrated element of being and living.
There are links, the sun might link to gravity on earth and that might link to oxeans, and that might link to tidal effects – however, these are Links rather than Causes because there are other links that might affect the tide which we are yet to have a clue, and if these links which we do know about, work as a part of a network – then again, they are connections rather than cause.. They do not Mean to cause tides, just kind of happened..
So what happens when meanings comes in? Say i want to cause a tide? Unlike the elements I mentioned, there is a sort of possible intent for a particular effect/s.
Because of that, it can be argued that the process is that of Value and hence political. If X has a social value – or not – is a question determined by politics.. In its most basic sense of discursive social positioning and arbitration..
Which is where art in its non political sense folds.. If art seeks to have a value but not Be politicised, then its kind of wanting the cake but not eating it.. However, if art, as I suggest, Is valueless, meaningLess, and that is precisely why fundamentally, we inhabitants of the universe must have art – then we go beyond the questions of meanings, values, and indeed politics..
However, for this to happen in earnest, artists should be able to support themselves without fear and prejudice of the market..
Hence an interest in economy/money..
However this is all a digression..
Meanings seem like in between values and signifiers.. If I use X to signify anything-holder, as X motor-vehicle – it can be understood as Any motor vehicle. However, now that the X is not just a signifier, but one with a particular aim/meaning, because it is understood they I had a certain reason, then a value-meaning can be created. what does any motor vehicle’s value might be here? If this is a shared/shareable value – then there is a legitimate, imho, question of politics.. eg, how come your shareable is more/less visible than hers, etc..
Art, I think, like science and philosophy, to serve better, to link more closely with being – has to Be like a being.. Before it wants/aim/mean to be something, an x rather than an x vehicle.. In its pre-confabulated time.. Precisely because most elements will NOT be interesting and will fold before getting to gain values and meanings..