Actional Poetics - ASH SHE HE: The Performance Actuations of Alastair MacLennan, 1971-2020

A comprehensive and complete legacy monograph about Alastair MacLennan's extensive performance practice, its influence on the Belfast art scene, and its relationships with wider art histories. The book includes essays by various authors that range from descriptive to interpretive, placing the work in historical context and presenting MacLennan as an influential teacher. The primary readership will be academics, researchers, and scholars working in performance art and contemporary art, as well as students in performance art, visual arts, and related practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2021
Publisher: Intellect Books

A comprehensive retrospective monograph delving into the multifaceted artistic practice of Alistair MacLennan, encompassing his influential contributions to the Belfast art scene and his connections with broader art histories. This meticulously researched and extensively documented book stands as the most comprehensive legacy monograph dedicated to Alastair MacLennan's extensive performance practice.

Alastair MacLennan, an esteemed emeritus professor of fine art at Ulster University in Belfast, is a prominent figure in the realm of live art, renowned for his extensive travels and presentations of "Actuations," his term for performance/installations. With a profound influence on the art world, MacLennan has been a founding member of several significant organizations, including Belfast's Art and Research Exchange, Belfast's Bbeyond performance collective, and Black Market International, a performance art entity. He has also represented Ireland at the prestigious Venice Biennale in 1997 and holds an honorary associate position with the National Review of Live Art in Glasgow, Scotland.

The essays included in this monograph offer a diverse range of perspectives, spanning from descriptive to interpretive approaches. Some essays contextualize MacLennan's work within historical frameworks, while others provide insightful biographical narratives. This variety of essays is essential, as it allows each writer to approach the art in their unique way, capturing the complexity and richness of MacLennan's artistic oeuvre. By placing his work in historical context, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of its influences and inspirations. At the same time, it also highlights MacLennan's role as an influential teacher, shedding light on his impact on the artistic community.

One of the significant contributions to this monograph comes from Adrian Heathfield, a professor of performance and visual culture at Roehampton, United Kingdom. Heathfield has authored an extensive essay that delves into MacLennan's oeuvre, focusing on his use of materials and his creation of sculptural environments. Through his detailed analysis, Heathfield sheds light on the artistic processes and techniques employed by MacLennan, highlighting his innovative approaches and the profound impact he has had on the field of performance art.

In conclusion, this retrospective monograph offers a profound exploration of Alistair MacLennan's artistic practice, shedding light on his contributions to the Belfast art scene and his connections with broader art histories. Through a diverse range of essays and an insightful contribution from Adrian Heathfield, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of MacLennan's artistic journey. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts alike, enriching our understanding of his remarkable legacy.

Weight: 984g
Dimension: 221 x 219 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789383720