Blank Canvas: Art School Creativity From Punk to New Wave

In the 1960s and 1970s, art school Britain was a hotbed of experimental DIY creativity, blurring the lines between art and music. Simon Strange's book Blank Canvas explores the diverse range of people who broke down these barriers, drawing on interviews with giants of the genre across music, gender, and race spectrums. It asks questions of today's artists, musicians, and educators and suggests how lessons learnt in art school education show a path for the cultural evolution of both musicians and artists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: Intellect Books

In the vibrant and experimental art scene of Britain in the 1960s and 1970s, a unique breed of artists emerged, blurring the boundaries between art and music. These visionaries pushed the limits of creativity, embracing a DIY ethos that defied convention. Simon Strange, a multi-genre musician turned university lecturer, delves into this dynamic era in his book, Blank Canvas. Through captivating interviews with iconic figures from the music world, spanning various genres, genders, and races, Strange paints a vivid portrait of the individuals who shattered the barriers between art, life, and the creative self.

Tracing the lineage from the Bauhaus' concept of a "blank slate" to the white heat of the Velvet Underground and the cutting edge of the Slits, Blank Canvas offers a comprehensive exploration of the genre. It draws on insights from Brian Eno, Pauline Black, Cabaret Voltaire, and Gaye Advert, among others, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives. Illustrated with stunning visuals, the book showcases a tumultuous two decades characterized by an eruption of diverse and outspoken originality. Musical styles and cultures intertwined, creating a fusion that defied categorization.

In today's world, where music education is often structured and standardized, Blank Canvas poses thought-provoking questions about the impact of such education on the soul of artists. It encourages artists, musicians, and educators to delve into the essence of creativity and explore how lessons learned in art school education can shape the cultural evolution of both musicians and artists. The book appeals to a wide audience, including university students studying popular music, popular culture, and creative arts education. It also resonates with academics, educators, and researchers in the fields of popular culture and creativity, as well as those with a general interest in these subjects.

With a Blank Canvas, anything is possible, and the possibilities for artistic expression are boundless. This book serves as a testament to the power of creativity and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of art and music, Blank Canvas offers a valuable roadmap for those seeking to forge their own path and create a lasting legacy.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 148 x 209 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789386318
Edition number: New ed