But Is It Art?: The Spirit of Art as Activism - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0941920291 ISBN 13: 9780941920292

Publisher: Bay Press, 1994

Synopsis

Nonfiction. Art. Activisim. Criticism and Theory. An anthology that explores the rise of activist public art that agitates for social change. Included are discussions of such leading and controversial artists as: the Guerrilla Girls, Gran Fury, Group Material, Women's Action Coalition, and the Artist and Homeless Collaborative.

About this title

From the Publisher

As editor Nina Felshin suggests, "activist art is reaching critical mass." It is now more than ever the subject of conferences, articles, museum exhibitions, and a variety of community-based projects that will help to shape contemporary culture. But Is It Art? is a timely collection that will inform the general reader and those involved in the art world about how connecting art to a wider audience can contribute to expanding definitions of art and social change.

From the Back Cover

"But Is It Art? is an essential contribution to the criticism and literature concerning the recent social/art form of activist work in the public interest. Focusing on action, Nina Felshin and the distinguished writers in But Is It Art? provide a thorough account of the new community-, culture-, and communication-based art by detailing the endeavors of some of its most vital practitioners." - Arlene Raven, Art in the Public Interest "In But Is It Art? the question is well posed. It doesn't matter if it's art. What matters is that people of conscience are using their imaginations in the interest of social justice." - Dore Ashton, The New York School: A Cultural Reckoning "Nina Felshin's groundbreaking book launches art in a new direction: toward the world beyond the official art world. This is a key text for anyone interested in cultural practices for the purpose of creating social change and building community as an alternative to market-driven, commodity-based art. It presents the conflict between autonomous aesthetics and social activism at its sharpest." - Suzi Gablik, Has Modernism Failed? "This is a wonderful, though less than inclusive, addition to the ongoing history of activist art. The essays provide a vital collection of different viewpoints, agenda, and issues. Everyone hoping to engender social change from the art or the political side of the fence should consider these exemplary mergers and their breaks for socio-aesthetic freedom." - Lucy R. Lippard, Get the Message? A Decade of Art for Social Change

Edition details

• Publisher: Bay Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0941920291
• ISBN 13: 9780941920292
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 416
• Editor: Felshin Nina