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The Lure of the Social

Encounters with Contemporary Artists
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
The Lure of the Social by Gretchen Coombs delves into the dynamic and evolving world of socially engaged art. It explores how artists interact with communities, intentionally blurring the lines between art and social practice. The book captures the transformative power of art in fostering dialogue and engagement, offering insights into the creative processes that redefine public interaction.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

If you have a keen interest in how social practice art interacts with communities and influences change, this educational read might captivate you. It delves into the relationship between art and social engagement, offering insights into how creative projects can foster community bonds and encourage societal reflection.

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An intimate and personal exploration of the author’s journey following the development of the field of social practices in contemporary art: arguably the most significant shift in art world practices in the last two decades.Β  A beautifully written exploration of key individuals, institutions and gatherings in socially engaged art. 36 colour illustrations.

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

The Lure of the Social is an intimate and personal exploration into the key individuals, institutions, and gatherings that make up the field of socially engaged art. In this book of encounters, the reader follows Gretchen Coombs on her journey through what could be considered the most significant shift in art world practices in the last two decades.

The book navigates a spectrum: at one end, the author works closely with socially engaged artists as part of her ethnographic research; at the other, she tries to find critical distance from which to write about their art projects and the institutional structures that support their work, such as art schools and conferences.

Readers are introduced to artists, their work, and the key debates and issues facing this emergent field. In the course of her study, Coombs analyses the contradictions and paradoxes of this field of practice and gives expression to the artists working to make art relevant in times of social and political uncertainty.

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?

The reviews praise The Lure of the Social for its engaging and intimate exploration of socially engaged art. Coombs's ethnographic approach captures the ideas, contradictions, and hope within this artistic movement while offering insightful and beautifully written narratives. The book stands out for its experimental and personal style, providing nuanced portraits of practitioners and intelligently examining the pros and cons of social practice art.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789383225

Publisher: Intellect

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Intellect Books

Illustration: 12 Illustrations, color

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 220.0mm

Height: 220.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 200

About the Author

Gretchen Coombs is a writer and researcher with a focus on socially engaged art practices in the US, the UK, and Australia. She is a postdoctoral research fellow in design and creative practice at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.

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