Contemporary art has never been so popular - but what is contemporary about contemporary art? What is its role today; and who is controlling its future?Bloody toy soldiers; gilded shopping carts; and embroidered tents. Contemporary art is supposed to be a realm of freedom where artists shock; break taboos; flout generally received ideas; and switch between confronting viewers with works of great emotional profundity and jaw-dropping triviality. But away from shock tactics in the gallery; there are many unanswered questions. Who is really running the art world? What effect has Americas growing political and cultural dominance had on art?Julian Stallabrass takes us inside the international art world to answer these and other controversial questions; and to argue that behind contemporary arts variety and apparent unpredictability lies a grim uniformity. Its mysteries are all too easily explained; its depths much shallower than they seem. Contemporary art seeks to bamboozle its viewers while being the willing slave of business and government. This book is your antidote and will change the way you see contemporary art.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts; analysis; perspective; new ideas; and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
#729702 in eBooks 2006-03-23 2006-03-23File Name: B000SFH6DG
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Insightful views of Chinatown in the 1880sBy RPHIts mostly photographs; but there is enough text with great historical content to make this a must read. The 1880s map of Chinatown alone make this book a valuable addition to any San Francisco historians library.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Shared HistoryBy David MarxerI must admit since my wife and I both have extended families living in Chinatown with which we stay on our many visits (staying in a hotel is a sin!) I have soft spot for these simple; occasionally crude; but powerful photographs. Seeing how our ancestors daily lived and knowing the racism and hatred they endured makes our problems seem trivial. To walk through the streets and alleys now; with these photographs forever in mind; grants us access to a vanished way of life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. great old photosBy terry thompsongreat old photos;many rare ones I have never seen before.any one interested in San Francisco history should buy this book.