Art, Politics and the Pamphleteer

Art, Politics, and the Pamphleteer is a collection of text-based and visual essays, commissioned artworks, and graphics that explore the concept, aesthetics, and function of political pamphlets. It includes an historical overview and essays by various contributors, as well as visual contributions by artists such as Gary Anderson, Steven Shakespeare, Ruth Beale, and more. The book aims to celebrate the rich visual rhetoric, typography, and contemporary relevance of the pamphlet format for artists and activists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Art, Politics, and the Pamphleteer is a captivating collection that brings together a diverse range of text-based and visual essays, commissioned artworks, and graphics. This richly illustrated book delves into the concept, aesthetics, and function of political pamphlets, offering a comprehensive interpretation of this historical format. Spanning a wide range of content, the book encompasses a series of case studies that showcase contemporary pamphleteering practices with clear political implications or protests. Beyond exploring the radical history and diverse cultures of pamphlets, it also celebrates the rich visual rhetoric, typography, and contemporary relevance of the format for artists and activists alike.

Contributions to this remarkable book come from a diverse group of scholars and artists, including Andy Abbott, Angeliki Avgitidu, Aziz Choudry, Désirée Rochat, David Murrieta Flores, Michelle Kempson, Pil and Galia Kollectiv, Rachel Schreiber, Jane Tormey, Gillian Whiteley, Gary Anderson, Steven Shakespeare, Ruth Beale, Ami Clarke, Common Culture, Jeremy Deller, Freee, Patrick Goddard, Gavin Grindon, Ferenc Grof, Marc Herbst, Joanne Lee, Josh MacPhee, Manual Labours, Mark McGowan, Minute Works, Chris Morton, radicalreThink, Hester Reeve, Oliver Ressler, Greg Sholette & Christopher Darling, Laura Wild, Andrew Wilson.

The book was conceived with a predominantly visual approach, and a collaborative effort with The Little Riot Press (Phil Eastwood and Chris Dunne) was integral to its development. The Little Riot Press approached the illustration and overall visual cohesion from the perspective of the radical, emphasizing the handmade, analogue techniques commonly found in political pamphlets. This aesthetic of protest and propaganda was considered essential to the design, reinforcing the authenticity and impact of the pamphlet's message.

Overall, Art, Politics, and the Pamphleteer is a groundbreaking exploration of the power of visual communication in politics. Through its diverse content and collaborative approach, the book offers a valuable insight into the historical, cultural, and contemporary significance of political pamphlets, inspiring artists and activists to continue using this powerful medium to shape public discourse and advocate for change.

Weight: 1046g
Dimension: 264 x 211 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350022454