Each One Another: The Self in Contemporary Art

Contemporary art can help us understand ourselves better by exploring themes of identity, subjectivity, and the roles we play in relationships with others. Through works such as paintings, films, and dance, artists offer insights into our experiences of oneness, interiority, and the complexities of selfhood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

With Each One Another, Rachel Haidu makes the compelling case that contemporary art possesses the potential to provide us with a profound and insightful understanding of our very selves. Through her exploration of intergenerational pairings of artists, Haidu delves into the ways in which three aesthetic vehicles—shape in painting, characters in film and video, and roles in dance—enable us to grasp the essence of selfhood. She argues that a deeper understanding of our selves complements our thinking about identity and subjecthood, enriching our intellectual and emotional landscape.

In the course of her analysis, Haidu showcases how Philip Guston's figurative works delve into the descriptive capacities of shapes, exploring their ability to investigate history. She also highlights how Amy Sillman's paintings offer us a fresh perspective on expressivity and oneness, challenging our preconceived notions of these concepts. By examining a 2004 video by James Coleman, Haidu delves into the process of entering characters through their interior monologues, shedding light on the nuanced ways in which art can evoke empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, Haidu analyzes a 2011 film by Steve McQueen, where the protagonist's refusal to speak serves as a powerful argument for our right to silence. Through these examples, Each One Another becomes a testament to the transformative power of art, enabling us to understand oneness, interiority, and our role as fluid agents in the world. It invites us to critically examine our attachments to selfhood, fostering a more nuanced and forgiving understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

In conclusion, With Each One Another offers a thought-provoking and enriching exploration of the ways in which contemporary art can deepen our understanding of selfhood. Through her meticulous analysis and compelling examples, Rachel Haidu invites us to embrace the transformative power of art, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and our fellow beings.

Weight: 974g
Dimension: 189 x 263 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226823416