Beautiful, Gruesome, and True: Artists at Work in the Face of War

Some of the most interesting artists of our time have committed themselves to engaging with devastating conflicts on Earth, such as Amar Kanwar, Teresa Margolles, and the anonymous collective Abounaddara. Kaelen Wilson-Goldie's book "Beautiful, Gruesome, and True" explores how these artists produce remarkable works of art that demand deliberate and methodical ways of thinking, offering important insights into the challenges they face.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Columbia Global Reports

Why have some of the most interesting artists of our time committed themselves to some of the most devastating conflicts on Earth?

The question of why some of the most intriguing artists of our time have chosen to engage with some of the most devastating conflicts on Earth is a complex and multifaceted one. It requires a deep understanding of the artistic process, the motivations of the artists, and the social and political contexts in which they work.

One reason why artists may be drawn to conflict zones is the sense of urgency and the opportunity to witness firsthand the effects of war and violence. Artists can use their work to raise awareness about these issues and to challenge the dominant narratives that often accompany them. For example, Amar Kanwar, a filmmaker from India, has made several films that explore the destruction of rural India in the drive to extract natural resources. His work highlights the human cost of these developments and the ways in which they undermine the social and ecological fabric of the country.

Another reason why artists may be drawn to conflict zones is the desire to challenge the power structures that perpetuate these conflicts. Artists can use their work to subvert the dominant narratives and to challenge the authority. For example, Teresa Margolles, a Mexican artist, creates haunting installations from the traces of crime scenes and drug-related violence in Mexico. Her work challenges the perception of these issues as solely criminal and highlights the political and social factors that contribute to them.

The anonymous collective Abounaddara has produced more than four hundred short films chronicling the uprising and civil war in Syria. Their work is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the Syrian people in the face of unimaginable adversity. The collective uses a combination of documentary and fiction to tell the stories of ordinary people caught up in the conflict, and their work has been widely acclaimed for its ability to humanize the victims of war.

Despite the risks and challenges associated with working in conflict zones. Artists who choose to engage with these issues often find that their work can have a powerful impact on the people they portray and on the broader social and political context in which they operate. For example, Kaelen Wilson-Goldie's book, Beautiful, Gruesome, and True, tells the stories of three of these artists: Amar Kanwar, Teresa Margolles, and the anonymous collective Abounaddara. Wilson-Goldie draws on years of research and extensive reporting to vividly recount how these artists found ways to produce remarkable works of art that demand deliberate and methodical ways of thinking—works that are contemplative, thoughtful, even redemptive.

Named one of the best art books of the year by Holland Cotter of the New York Times, "A gifted critic and a compelling journalist, Wilson-Goldie offers many important insights into the challenges these artists face in their confrontation with authority

With authority.

repressive regimes,

death, and violence.

The story she tells could not be more timely." —Glenn D. Lowry, David Rockefeller Director, Museum of Modern Art

In conclusion, the question of why some of the most interesting artists of our time have committed themselves to some of the most devastating conflicts on Earth is a complex and multifaceted one. It requires a deep understanding of the artistic process, the motivations of the artists, and the social and political contexts in which they work. By engaging with these issues, artists can use their work to raise awareness, challenge the dominant narratives, and subvert the power structures that perpetuate these conflicts. Their work can have a powerful impact on the people they portray and on the broader social and political context in which they operate, and it is essential that we continue to support and promote the work of these artists and others who are working to bring attention to these important issues.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 127 x 190 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781735913728