Artists Remake the World: A Contemporary Art Manifesto

Artists Remake the World explores how contemporary art is used as a tool for political and social change, featuring artists such as Ai Weiwei and Olafur Eliasson and offering a philosophy of contemporary art as an experimental branch of politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Artists Remake the World is a groundbreaking exploration of the intricate relationship between contemporary art, politics, and activism. In this thought-provoking book, Vid Simoniti delves into the political aspirations of contemporary art in the early twenty-first century, offering a fresh and comprehensive account of its potential for political change. Through a comprehensive survey of innovative practices such as evidence-driven art, socially engaged art, and ecological art, Simoniti explores how artists have sought to provide bold solutions to the world's pressing problems.

One of the key themes of Artists Remake the World is the idea that contemporary art possesses the power to imagine utopias and challenge prevailing societal norms. Simoniti argues that at its best, contemporary art can provide a platform for artists to express their vision for a better world and offer a critical perspective on the challenges facing society. By presenting us with hard truths that mainstream political discourse often fails to articulate, contemporary art can challenge our assumptions and inspire us to think differently about the world we live in.

The book also introduces the reader to a diverse range of visionary contemporary artists from around the globe. These artists use their work to address issues such as climate change, social justice, and global inequality, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging the status quo. Simoniti provides insightful commentary on each artist's work, highlighting their unique approaches and the impact they have had on the political landscape.

Artists Remake the World offers a philosophy of contemporary art as an experimental branch of politics. Simoniti argues that contemporary art can be seen as a space for experimentation, risk-taking, and creativity, where artists can challenge the established rules and conventions of the art world and explore new ways of thinking and communicating about political issues. By equipping the reader with a new critical apparatus for thinking about political art today, the book encourages readers to engage with contemporary art in a more meaningful and informed way.

In conclusion, Artists Remake the World is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, politics, and activism. Through its original and provocative exploration, Simoniti offers a fresh perspective on the political potential of contemporary art and provides a valuable resource for artists, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the role of art in shaping our world.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300266290