A Sourcebook of Performance Labor: Activators, Activists, Archives, All

A Sourcebook of Performance Labor is a compilation of interviews with collaborators in notable works by established contemporary artists, exploring the perspectives of maintenance, care, affective labor, and the knowledges created through gesture and intersubjectivity. It reinvests in the possibilities for art as a collective effort to explore new ways of finding ourselves in others and others in ourselves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A Sourcebook of Performance Labor delves into the perspectives and experiences of collaborators in various artists' works, offering a fresh perspective on well-known contemporary performance and social practice. By centering on the workers who have shaped, enacted, and supported these artistic endeavors, the book reorients these works around the individuals who have contributed to their creation. Drawing from insights into maintenance, care, affective labor, and the knowledge generated through gesture and intersubjectivity, this compilation of interviews features the voices of collaborators in notable works attributed to established contemporary artists such as Francis Alÿs, Tania Bruguera, Suzanne Lacy, Ernesto Pujol, Asad Raza, Dread Scott, and Tino Sehgal.

In keeping with the spirit of the artworks under discussion, this book reinvests in the potential of art as a collective endeavor to explore new avenues for finding ourselves in others and others in ourselves. The Sourcebook collection serves as a valuable contribution to the field of performance studies and art history, particularly for students and scholars interested in these areas.

The book's rich content and diverse perspectives shed light on the intricate relationships between artists, collaborators, and the broader social and cultural context in which they operate. It challenges traditional notions of artistic autonomy and highlights the collaborative nature of many artistic endeavors. By exploring the experiences of these collaborators, the book provides valuable insights into the labor, expertise, and contributions of individuals often overlooked in the art world.

Furthermore, the book's interdisciplinary approach appeals to scholars and researchers from various fields, including performance studies, art history, cultural studies, sociology, and anthropology. It encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue and fosters a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape artistic production and reception.

In conclusion, A Sourcebook of Performance Labor is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on contemporary performance and social practice. By centering on the collaborators who have shaped these artistic endeavors, the book challenges traditional notions of artistic autonomy and highlights the collaborative nature of art production. It provides valuable insights into the labor, expertise, and contributions of individuals often overlooked in the art world, and encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue and understanding. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars, and anyone passionate about the intersection of art, labor, and society.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032303246