JG Ballard’s novel Empire of the Sun, published 40 years ago, serves as a meditation on time and memory, dealing with the transformative power of traumas and the constant reprocessing of human lives through memory. Born in Shanghai in 1930, Ballard’s experiences during wartime led him to explore themes of societal collapse, extreme situations, and finding new life in disaster zones through his works. Ballard’s unnervingly prescient writing accurately predicted societal trends and urban developments, showcasing a keen eye for social commentary. His fondness for chaos and rejection of bourgeois utopia stand out in his work, emphasizing the importance of imagination and freedom in a world constantly in flux.
https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2024/09/jg-ballards-apocalyptic-art