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Why Are We 'Artists'?

100 World Art Manifestos
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( 44 ratings, 7 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Why Are We 'Artists'? by Jessica Lack is a fascinating exploration of how modern artists have responded to political and social upheavals over the last century. The book delves into the motivations behind artistic movements, providing a rich tapestry of artists who challenged norms and shaped cultural dialogues. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the profound relationship between art and activism.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have a keen interest in understanding the evolving role of artists in society. It explores how artists have used their work to address cultural and political challenges throughout history. You might enjoy it if you appreciate learning about art's impact on identity and community across different times and places.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Why Are We Artists? is a new anthology encompassing 100 years of manifestos by artists, filmmakers, and architects from across the globe.

"Art is not a luxury. Art is a basic social need to which everyone has a right."

This extraordinary collection features 100 artists' manifestos from around the world, spanning the past century. It brings together political activists, anti-colonialists, surrealists, socialists, nihilists, and many more diverse voices. From the Negritude movement in Europe, Africa, and Martinique to Japan's Bikyoto, from Iraqi modernism to Australian cyberfeminism, the manifestos are by turns personal, political, utopian, angry, sublime, and revolutionary.

Some manifestos are being published in English for the first time; others were written in climates of censorship and brutality. Several contain visions of a future still on the horizon. What unites them all is the belief that art can change the world.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Why Are We 'Artists'? by Jessica Lack is celebrated for its insightful exploration of the purpose and role of artists in contemporary society. Reviewers appreciate the book's engaging narrative and diverse perspectives, making it a valuable resource for those interested in arts and culture. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking discussion on the influence of artists today.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241236314

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 August 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 357g

Pages: 528

About the Author

Jessica Lack began her career at Tate- The Art Magazine before becoming preview arts writer at the Guardian and i-D Magazine. She scripted the short film season Unlock Art and has written for all the major art magazine publications. She co-authored the best-selling Tate Guide to Modern Art Terms.

Also by Jessica Lack

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  • Protest Art
    An essential guide to how the power of art has been harnessed to effect political change across the modern world, from the struggle for universal suffrage to Black Lives Matter. Here is a well-researched, concise guide to protest art, exploring what happens when artists join forces with radical political movements to foster change. The works and movements discussed emerged at...
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  • Global Art
    Jessica Lack introduces fifty pioneering modern and contemporary art movements born out of political engagement, decolonisation, marginalisation, or conflict. These movements have aimed to revitalise society by challenging the status quo. While not as well known as Pop Art, Dada, and Futurism, these associations of artistsβ€”such as the Saqqakhaneh artists of Iran, the Stridentists of Mexico, Jikken Kobo of Japan,...
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