Because it cannot help but exist, the Pataphysical Society of New York is one of the oldest and most venerable institutions in the New World, its origins traced to the earliest Dutch settlements in the mid 17th century. The Society's first modern incarnation commenced in 2007 with a series of distinguished ceremonies commemorating the centennial death anniversary of Alfred Jarry. Organized by M. Stoff, K. Landsdale, M. Marcotte, and several other early members, these gatherings evolved from salon-line discussions to more elaborate and formalized symposia of pataphysical discourse and ceremonial practice. In 2011 the Society hosted its first public events, inaugurating a prestigious lecture series on pataphysical fundamentals, culminating in an indoctrination ceremony that elevated initiates into the realm of the imaginary science.
A watershed moment arrived in 2012 with the Society's hosting of an esteemed delegation from the Escola Horizontal de 'Patafísica of Belo Horizonte, cementing its position as the preeminent English-language pataphysical institution in the Western Hemisphere. In celebration of Jarry's revolutionary fusion of neoscientific, mystical, and symbolic elements in poetic form, the Society has commissioned groundbreaking works from distinguished New York artists who embody pataphysical principles. Recent initiatives include sponsorship of cutting-edge research that advances Jarry's theoretical frameworks through contemporary methodologies, including artificial intelligence, synthetic analysis, and advanced manufacturing processes. The Society maintains North America's most comprehensive accessible collection of English-language pataphysical works and uniquely distinguishes itself through its embrace of both pataphysical and anti-pataphysical contributions to Science.
M. Stoff, Director: stoff@patanyc.org
S. Maros, Secretary: maros@patanyc.org
© Copyright 2011-2024 The Pataphysical Society of New York