Art after Liberalism

Art after Liberalism explores the failures of liberal thinking and proposes new ways of living, acting, and making art in the company of others. It follows itinerant artists, artworks, and art publics across comparative political environments, providing speculations about art and social experience after liberal modernity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Columbia Books on Architecture and the City

Art after Liberalism delves into the realm of creative practice at a pivotal juncture where converging social crises converge. It also explores emerging modes of living, acting, and creating art in the company of others. The book's starting point lies in the apparent failures of liberal thinking, which have rendered the framework of the nation-state, the individual entrepreneur, and the notion of limitless development inadequate in creating a world that is worth living in. The discourse of inclusion, representation, and a neutral public sphere, once seen as pillars of equality, has now been exposed as mere lip service. It is increasingly evident that these common liberal conceptions have failed to bring about lasting improvements in human life. In fact, they perpetuate fundamental connections to slavery, conscription, colonization, moral debt, and ecological devastation.

In the face of this realization, we are compelled to confront the question of what comes next. The essays in this book endeavor to register these connections by tracing the itinerant artists, artworks, and art publics as they navigate across diverse political environments. Through this lens, the book offers a rich tapestry of speculations about art and social experience after the era of liberal modernity.

One of the key features of Art after Liberalism is its engagement with the concept of mobility. The authors recognize that artists, artworks, and art publics are not bound by geographical boundaries but rather are shaped by the complex interplay of political, economic, and social forces. By following the movements of these entities, the book provides a nuanced understanding of how art can transcend national borders and engage with diverse communities.

Another notable aspect of the book is its conversation with Amin Husain and Nitasha Dhillon of MTL Collective. The authors engage in a thought-provoking dialogue with these artists, exploring their perspectives on art, politics, and social change. The conversation sheds light on the ways in which art can be used as a tool for activism, resistance, and transformation, and how it can contribute to the broader struggle for social justice and equality.

In conclusion, Art after Liberalism is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the creative practices and emerging modes of living, acting, and making art in the aftermath of liberal modernity. The book challenges the conventional understanding of equality and exposes the underlying connections to systems of oppression and exploitation. By tracing the movements of artists, artworks, and art publics, the book offers a rich tapestry of speculations about art and social experience after liberal modernity. It serves as a valuable resource for artists, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of our contemporary world.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 212 x 149 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781941332689