Duty Free Art: Art in the Age of Planetary Civil War

Hito Steyerl's Duty Free Art explores how to appreciate art in the present age, considering the paradoxes of globalization, political economies, visual culture, and art production. She examines artefacts such as video games, Wikileaks files, spam, and political actions to expose the digital white noise that bombards our everyday lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2019
Publisher: Verso Books

In her thought-provoking book Duty Free Art, filmmaker and writer Hito Steyerl delves into the complexities of appreciating and creating art in the contemporary world. She raises questions about the paradoxes that arise when arms manufacturers sponsor museums, and some of the world's most valuable artworks are used as a fictional currency in a global futures market that has little to do with the artistic merit of the pieces. Steyerl explores a wide range of artefacts, including video games, Wikileaks files, spam proliferation, and political actions, to expose the contradictions within globalization, political economies, visual culture, and the status of art production.

Through her meticulous analysis, Steyerl challenges us to reconsider our understanding of creativity and the digital white noise that permeates our daily lives. She questions the boundaries between art and other forms of media, and explores how the digital age has transformed the production and consumption of art.

One of the key themes of Duty Free Art is the commodification of art and the role of the artist in the global economy. Steyerl argues that the art market has become increasingly dominated by corporate interests, and that artists are often reduced to mere commodities. She explores how the proliferation of digital technologies has further commodified art, making it accessible to a wider audience but also reducing its value and artistic integrity.

Steyerl also examines the political implications of art and the role of artists in shaping public discourse. She highlights how art can be used as a tool for political activism and social change, but also how it can be co-opted by governments and corporations to promote their own agendas. She explores how artists can navigate these complex political landscapes and maintain their artistic integrity while also engaging with the world around them.

Another theme of Duty Free Art is the relationship between art and power. Steyerl argues that art has the power to challenge dominant narratives and power structures, but that it is often marginalized and suppressed by those in power. She explores how artists can use their work to subvert these power dynamics and promote social justice and equality.

In conclusion, Duty Free Art is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a critical examination of the contemporary art world. Through her exploration of a wide range of artefacts and themes, Steyerl challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of art and its role in society. She provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of art and its place in the global economy.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786632449