Art, Borders and Belonging: On Home and Migration

The book explores how three related concepts—house, home, and homeland—are represented in contemporary global art. It brings together essays that explore the conditions of global migration as a process that is always both about departures and homecomings, through which migratory narratives are made possible. It also explores how curating and exhibition practices can extend and challenge conventional narratives of art, borders, and belonging. The theme of migration has emerged as a dominant subject in art and curatorial practices, and the book seeks to explore how the migratory experience is generated and displayed through the lens of contemporary art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Art, Borders, and Belonging: On Home and Migration delves into the intricate interplay of three interconnected concepts: house, home, and homeland, as explored in contemporary global art. This comprehensive volume brings together a collection of essays that examine the multifaceted aspects of global migration, recognizing it as a continuous journey of departures andcomings, encompassing the process of home-making. While the primary focus lies in unraveling how contemporary artworks can capture the migratory experience of movement and (re)settlement, the contributions to this book also delve into the ways in which curating and exhibition practices, at both local and global scales, can expand and challenge conventional narratives of art, borders, and belonging.

The phenomenon of artists migrating for various reasons, such as seeking better job opportunities, immersing themselves in different cultures, or being displaced due to economic, environmental, political, religious, or military instability, has gained increasing prominence in recent years. Art, Borders, and Belonging aims to explore how the migratory experience is generated and displayed through the lens of contemporary art, shedding light on the ways in which visual arts intertwine with real-life events. By examining the extent to which the visual arts reflect cultural perspectives, this text serves as a valuable tool for knowledge transfer and enhances our understanding of the significance of artistic interventions in relation to home, migration, and belonging.

The essays in this volume explore a wide range of themes and perspectives, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of migration. They examine the experiences of migrants themselves, as well as the impact of migration on communities and societies. The authors employ various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation, to convey their messages and provoke thought. Through their works, artists challenge traditional narratives of migration and offer alternative perspectives on the experiences of displacement, resilience, and identity.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the idea of home as a fluid and ever-changing concept. The authors argue that home is not solely a physical place but a complex amalgamation of emotions, memories, and experiences. They explore how migrants navigate the challenges of leaving their homes and creating new ones in unfamiliar environments, often grappling with feelings of loss, longing, and belonging. The essays also examine the role of cultural heritage and identity in shaping the migratory experience, highlighting the ways in which migrants preserve and adapt their traditions and customs to adapt to their new surroundings.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of borders and their role in shaping the migratory experience. The authors argue that borders are not static entities but rather fluid and dynamic constructs that are constantly being reimagined and reconfigured. They examine how borders are constructed, maintained, and challenged by governments, organizations, and individuals, and how they impact the lives of migrants. The essays also explore the ways in which artists use their work to challenge and subvert borders, highlighting the power dynamics and inequalities that underpin them.

In addition to examining the visual arts, the book also considers the role
In addition to examining the visual arts, the book also considers the role of curating and exhibition practices in shaping narratives of art, borders, and belonging. The authors argue that curators and exhibition organizers have a responsibility to challenge and expand conventional narratives and to create spaces that promote inclusivity and diversity. They explore how curating practices can create opportunities for marginalized voices and perspectives to be heard and seen, and how exhibitions can foster dialogue and understanding between different communities.

Art, Borders, and Belonging is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between art, migration, and belonging. It offers a valuable contribution to the field of art studies and cultural studies, providing a fresh perspective on the migratory experience and its impact on individuals, communities, and societies. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book encourages readers to think critically about the ways in which art can shape our understanding of migration and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse world.

In conclusion, Art, Borders, and Belonging: On Home and Migration is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, migration, and belonging. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of the complex relationship between these three interconnected concepts, shedding light on the experiences of migrants, the challenges they face, and the ways in which art can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse world. By challenging conventional narratives and promoting dialogue and understanding, this book serves as a valuable tool for knowledge transfer and enhances our understanding of the significance of artistic interventions in relation to home, migration, and belonging.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350203068