Art and Politics Now: Cultural Activism in a Time of Crisis
Summary
Art and Politics Now: Cultural Activism in a Time of Crisis is a critical analysis of contemporary politically engaged art. Susan Noyes Platt is an art historian and art critic who has written extensively as an advocate for the importance of art that engages social concerns. Starting with a brief historical overview of the topic, Art and Politics Now considers both theory and practice among current artists who are pursuing social and political engagement. Topics include opposition to war, terrorism, racism, borders, and the violation of the earth. It ranges from the art of street protest to the work of gallery artists and finally the international art scene. It examines both individual artists and exhibitions as political endeavors and expands the concept of art that engages political and social issues.
Art and Politics Now rejects the narrow and dismissive critical compartments that have previously been assigned to artists who engage issues, and offers a broad ranging critical framework. Its purpose is to demonstrate the complexity of cultural activism and to advocate for its pursuit. The book reveals the power that artists have to make a difference when they choose to thoughtfully address issues either individually or collectively.
Art and Politics Now makes politically engaged art practices visible and interprets them in an accessible discussion. At the same time, the book provides theoretical contexts by placing the artists in a field of current analytical positions.
Art and Politics Now includes two parts each with five chapters. It is readable by a general audience, useful for classroom courses in various disciplines including contemporary art, art history, political science and sociology.
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