Differential time and aesthetic form: uneven and combined capitalism in the work of Allan Sekula

In this essay we argue that Uneven and Combined Development is the core concept of modernity. In contradistinction to those thinkers who advocate 'multiple modernities', we argue that modernity must be viewed as a singular condition (Jameson). However, in order to avoid linear developmentalism and the privileging the view from the western metropolis we claim UCD is in urgent need of reconstruction. To do so, we draw on recent debates on temporality (Bensaid, Lowy, Tomba, Tombazos) and some of the most advanced work on modes of production (Banaji, Davidson). Our account of Uneven and Combined modernity is elaborated on the basis of some significant works of contemporary art, principally the photography, video and film projects of the late Allan Sekula who placed the sea at the heart of his vision.