Monumental Cares: Sites of History and Contemporary Art

Monumental Cares explores how artists address monumental issues such as war, migration, and the climate crisis through a multidirectional theory of site, creating a new ethics of care in public art. It asks what to do with monuments, particularly when they are the products of terror, and can art address the monumental concerns of our present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Monumental Cares: Rethinking Monument Debates, Site Specificity, and Art Activism in the Face of Overwhelming Challenges

Monumental Cares is a groundbreaking book that delves into the realm of monument debates, site specificity, and art activism, offering a fresh perspective on these critical issues. In light of the monumental challenges that we face today, such as war, migration, and the climate crisis, the book seeks to reimagine how artists address these pressing concerns. Spanning across various cities, including Chicago, Berlin, Oslo, Bucharest, and Hong Kong, Monumental Cares showcases the diverse range of artistic approaches employed by artists to convey their messages and engage with their audiences.

The book employs a multidirectional theory of site that recognizes the significance of specific places while also acknowledging the broader perspectives of far-away audiences. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how monuments are perceived and interpreted, fostering a new ethics of care in public art. By combining a deep engagement with reality reminiscent of the realist aesthetics of the nineteenth century, Monumental Cares offers a passionate exploration of the monumental concerns of our present.

One of the central questions that the book addresses is the role of monuments, particularly those that are the products of terror or require removal, modification, or recontextualization. Monumental Cares provides thought-provoking insights into these complex dilemmas, offering practical solutions and strategies for dealing with monuments that evoke painful memories or perpetuate harmful ideologies. The book encourages artists to challenge the status quo and explore new ways of engaging with monuments, fostering dialogue, empathy, and understanding.

Furthermore, Monumental Cares raises the question of whether art can truly address the monumental concerns of our present. The book showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, from marble and glass sculptures to postcards, graffiti, and re-enactments, demonstrating the power of art to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and inspire change. Through their creative endeavors, artists challenge us to reflect on our past, present, and future, and to consider the role that monuments play in shaping our collective memory and identity.

In conclusion, Monumental Cares is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh perspective on monument debates, site specificity, and art activism. Through its multidirectional approach, the book fosters a new ethics of care in public art, challenging us to confront the monumental concerns of our present and explore innovative ways of engaging with our past. By showcasing the diverse range of artistic expressions and offering practical solutions, Monumental Cares inspires artists and audiences alike to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 234 x 157 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526168115