Shelf-light wear to spine, covers and corners. A light stain (possibly tea? ) marks this otherwise near-fine copy. ; With unusual corrugated cardboard covers with blue free-end papers. Shelf-light wear to spine, covers and corners. A light stain (possibly tea? ) marks this otherwise near-fine copy. A thought-provoking exploration of contemporary photography and its intersection with economics, politics, and society. The book examines how photographers respond to global capitalism's shifting dynamics, presenting a collection of works that critique labor, consumption, and economic inequality. Campbell and Durden analyze the way photography reflects, questions, and often challenges the visual representations of power and capital. The book features various artists and their approaches to documenting these themes, offering insights into the role of visual culture in shaping public perception of global economic forces and inequalities in the modern world. Colour and b&w photographic plates throughout. ; 29.5 x 23 x 1.5 cm; 151 pages.

Seller Inventory # LCB62345

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Variable Capital
Publisher: The Bluecoat and Liverpool University Press, Great Britain
Publication Date: 2008
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1846311268
ISBN 13: 9781846311260
Binding: Softcover
Edition: First Edition; First Impression.
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket

About this title

Synopsis

Artists’ fascination with pop culture and commodity aesthetics has led to the development of some of the most significant and popular art of the last fifty years. Yet while much of this art has concerned itself with the celebration of commodities as objects of desire, relatively little attention has been given to the human cost underpinning such cultures of excess. Variable Capital counters this trend and examines the way in which contemporary artists have critically responded to the seductive allure of globalised commodity consumption. Taking its title from a term Karl Marx used to explain how value is produced in a commodity, the book charts the strategies artists have employed to redirect attention toward the apparently invisible processes of exploitation and alienation underlying production. The book, in accompaniment to an exhibition presented by the Bluecoat Arts Centre, Liverpool, examines the work of a range of international artists including Common Culture, Hans Op de Beeck, Richard Dedomenici, Alexander Gerdel, Richard Hughes, Melanie Jackson, Louise Lawler, Ken Probst, Wang Qingsong, Julian Rosenfeldt, Santiago Sierra, Larry Sultan, Brian Ulrich and Andy Warhol. Much of the work discussed is characterised by a willingness to engineer awkward and embarrassing situations, challenging the viewer with uncomfortable realities. Many of the artists achieve this by humorously subverting familiar objects and rituals to displace, critique and emphasise the ridiculous. This art is not redemptive, but a vehicle by which the often absurd and brutal logic of commodification is revealed.

About the Authors

David Campbell is an artist and works collaboratively with Mark Durden as Common Culture.

Mark Durden is an artist and works collaboratively with David Campbell as Common Culture.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Please come visit our shop in Machynlleth or browse our stock online. We carry a wide range of academic books on all subjects, such as history, philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, mathematics, physics, geography, political science, political philosophy, religious studies, military history and many other subjects. We also carry antiquarian stock and general stock, especially cookery. We are always interested in collections, especially on academic subjects.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Literary Cat Books
United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All orders of 50 pounds and higher will be shipped with mandatory insurance added.

We make every effort to describe each book or print accurately. However, we accept that an item might not prove to be as you expected it, or has been damaged in transport. We therefore accept returns within 14 days of receipt of the item, upon prior notification. We will provide a full refund upon receipt of the returned item by us.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2/3 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know if extra shipping is required.

Overseas postage will be sent by airmail if you select priority and surface if you select standard postage. Surface mail to the United States or Canada can take up to six weeks, and up to twelve weeks to Australia and New Zealand.

We use only good quality materials and the utmost care when packaging our books to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.

In the unlikely event that your book does not arrive within the specified shipping period, please feel free to contact us direct. Please provide your name, address and the details of your order.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	30 to 50 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 18.80	US$ 24.17

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.