Artificial Hells: Participatory Art and the Politics of Spectatorship

Artificial Hells is the first historical and theoretical overview of socially engaged participatory art, known as social practice. It explores key moments in the development of a participatory aesthetic, including Futurism, Dada, the Situationist International, Happenings, the Community Arts Movement, and the Artists Placement Group. Claire Bishop challenges the political and aesthetic ambitions of participatory art and calls for a less prescriptive approach to art and politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

The groundbreaking and highly acclaimed work, Artificial Hells, stands as the first comprehensive historical and theoretical exploration of socially engaged participatory art, also known as social practice in the United States. Over the past few decades, art galleries and museums have transformed into vibrant spaces where audiences are actively encouraged to participate in the artwork itself. This transformative practice has been hailed as a revolutionary force capable of fostering new and emancipatory social connections. However, the true essence of this phenomenon remains a subject of curiosity and debate.

In this fully revised edition, Claire Bishop takes us on a journey through the trajectory of twentieth-century art, examining key moments in the development of a participatory aesthetic. This comprehensive itinerary spans a wide range of artistic movements, including Futurism and Dada, the Situationist International, Happenings in Eastern Europe, Argentina, and Paris, as well as the 1970s Community Arts Movement and the Artists Placement Group. It concludes with a thoughtful discussion of long-term educational projects by contemporary artists such as Thomas Hirschhorn, Tania Bruguera, Pawel Althamer, and Paul Chan.

Bishop's exploration of participatory art goes beyond mere scrutiny of its emancipatory claims. She delves into the ethical considerations that often accompany such artworks, offering an alternative framework for understanding and evaluating them. Through her critical lens, Artificial Hells challenges the political and aesthetic ambitions of participatory art, advocating for a less prescriptive approach to art and politics. It calls for more compelling, troubling, and bold forms of participatory art and criticism that can truly engage and challenge audiences.

In conclusion, Artificial Hells is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of socially engaged participatory art. By challenging the boundaries of art and politics, Bishop encourages us to reimagine the potential of this practice to foster new social connections and promote social change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, politics, and society.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 151 x 233 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839767753