Non-literary Fiction: Art of the Americas under Neoliberalism

In the late-twentieth century, a new form of fiction emerged in visual art across the Americas, responding to the rise of neoliberal regimes. Esther Gabara's book "Non-literary Fiction" explores this genre, which uses visual art forms to create fictions that engage viewers and challenge dominant regimes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Non-literary Fiction: A New Form of Art in the Americas

In her groundbreaking book, "Non-literary Fiction," Esther Gabara delves into a novel genre of art that emerged in the late-twentieth century across the Americas. With a keen eye on the impact of neoliberal regimes, Gabara explores the crucial role of fiction in shaping daily politics. What sets this form of art apart is its departure from traditional literary narrative structures and its emergence in the new mediums and practices that have revolutionized contemporary art.

Gabara argues that these fictions, which manifest in various visual art forms such as performance, body art, posters, mail art, found objects, and installations, constitute a unique form of art that encourages viewers to actively participate in its creation. By challenging dominant neoliberal regimes' harsh restrictions, these fictions provide a means for resistance and resilience.

During repressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s and free trade agreements of the 1990s, artists and critics steadfastly resisted economic privatization, political deregulation, and reactionary social logic. They rejected inherited notions of visual, literary, and political representation, seeking alternative ways to express their ideas and emotions. Gabara's book is a testament to the power of negation in enabling the creation of fiction outside the confines of traditional textual forms of literature.

Through meticulous close analyses of artworks and writings by prominent figures of these two generations, including Indigenous thinkers, Gabara demonstrates how negation opens up a realm of possibilities for the creation of fiction. By subverting expectations and challenging established norms, these artists and writers have forged new paths for artistic expression and social commentary.

"Non-literary Fiction" is a seminal work that not only sheds light on the evolving landscape of art in the Americas but also offers valuable insights into the role of fiction in shaping our understanding of the world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, politics, and social change.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226822365