Female Art and Agency in Yugoslavia, 1971–2001

Despite being marginalized on the contemporary art map since the 1990s, the regions of former Yugoslavia remain a hub of creative activity, particularly notable for the strong presence of women artists, scholars, and activists. This book highlights how female figures have shaped the alternative art scene in former Yugoslavia and placed the region firmly on the map of the international post-avantgarde, through art and exhibition making, writing, mentorship, and activism. It details the pioneering work of women in the realm of curation, where they developed radical exhibition concepts and programs that furthered the development of the New Art Practice and embedded Yugoslavia firmly on the map of the international postwar-avantgardes. It also shows how female cultural workers have courageously used their work to further the discourse on gender, sexuality, and the female body and formed a strong artistic and activist opposition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Despite facing marginalization on the contemporary art map since the 1990s, the regions of former Yugoslavia remain vibrant hubs of creative activity. Among the notable aspects is the significant presence of women artists, scholars, and activists whose deeply personal and politically charged artwork is deeply rooted in a long legacy of female artistic agency. Building on existing scholarship and original research, this book aims to shed light on how female figures have shaped the alternative art scene in former Yugoslavia and positioned the region firmly within the international post-avantgarde. By examining the founding of the Student Cultural Center Belgrade in 1971 as a pivotal moment, the book delves into the pioneering work of women in curation, where they developed radical exhibition concepts and programs that contributed to the development of the New Art Practice and firmly established Yugoslavia on the international postwar-avantgardes map. It highlights the agency of female artists in the then-novel realms of performance art, video art, and new media art, showcasing how their work has left a lasting impact on these disciplines. Furthermore, it underscores the courage of female cultural workers who used their art to advance the discourse on gender, sexuality, and the female body, even during a time when they faced severe restrictions and oppression under the chauvinist-nationalist regimes that emerged after Yugoslavia's breakup. This book also addresses the notable gap in art history regarding the role of women in the diversification of the ex-Yugoslavia states and their unique cultural and political landscapes.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350229211