Art/Commons: Anthropology beyond Capitalism

Art/Commons is the first book to theorize the commons from the perspectives of contemporary art history and anthropology, focusing on the ongoing tensions between art and capitalism. It proposes a novel theoretical approach to current debates on the commons and shows that art can provide a language of anti-capitalist and post-colonial critique as well as a distinctive set of skills and practices of commoning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Art/Commons is a groundbreaking work that delves into the complex relationship between contemporary art and capitalism, offering a fresh perspective through the lenses of art history and anthropology. The author's insightful analysis reveals the ongoing tensions between these two powerful forces, highlighting their intricate interplay and impact on artistic practices. At the heart of this study lies an in-depth examination of contemporary artistic and curatorial practices, which the author identifies as practices of commoning. These practices are characterized by collaborative efforts, shared ownership, mutualism, and the recognition of reproductive labor as valuable contributions. Through this theoretical framework, Mollona proposes a novel approach to understanding the commons, challenging existing narratives and offering a fresh perspective on the potential for art to serve as a powerful tool for anti-capitalist and post-colonial critique. Moreover, Art/Commons showcases the unique skills and practices of commoning that can be developed through artistic endeavors, providing artists with a means to engage with society and challenge dominant power structures. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, capitalism, and social change, as it offers valuable insights and perspectives that will inspire and inform future artistic and political endeavors.

Art/Commons is a groundbreaking book that explores the complex relationship between contemporary art and capitalism, offering a fresh perspective through the lenses of art history and anthropology. The author's insightful analysis reveals the ongoing tensions between these two powerful forces, highlighting their intricate interplay and impact on artistic practices.

At the heart of this study lies an in-depth examination of contemporary artistic and curatorial practices, which the author identifies as practices of commoning. These practices are characterized by collaborative efforts, shared ownership, mutualism, and the recognition of reproductive labor as valuable contributions.

Through this theoretical framework, Mollona proposes a novel approach to understanding the commons, challenging existing narratives and offering a fresh perspective on the potential for art to serve as a powerful tool for anti-capitalist and post-colonial critique.

Moreover, Art/Commons showcases the unique skills and practices of commoning that can be developed through artistic endeavors, providing artists with a means to engage with society and challenge dominant power structures.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art, capitalism, and social change, as it offers valuable insights and perspectives that will inspire and inform future artistic and political endeavors.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 216 x 138 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786996992