Picturing the Beautiful Game: A History of Soccer in Visual Culture and Art

Soccer is known as "the beautiful game" due to its artistry and aesthetic appeal. "Picturing the Beautiful Game: A History of Soccer in Visual Culture and Art" is the first collection to examine the rich visual culture of soccer, including the fine arts, design, and mass media. It explores how soccer has been promoted, commemorated, and contested in visual terms, reflecting society and its place in our collective imagination. Contributions from art history, sociology, sport history, and media studies enrich the volume.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Soccer, the world's most popular sport, has long been celebrated as "the beautiful game" for its artistry and aesthetic appeal. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in examining the rich visual culture of soccer, encompassing the fine arts, design, and mass media. "Picturing the Beautiful Game: A History of Soccer in Visual Culture and Art" is the first collection to delve into this captivating realm, exploring the ways in which soccer has been promoted, commemorated, and contested in visual terms.

The volume covers a wide range of topics related to the game's imagery, from illustrated newspapers and modern posters to contemporary artworks. As contributors to this collection suggest, these representations of soccer reflect society and its place in our collective imagination. Perspectives from art history, sociology, sport history, and media studies enrich the volume, providing a multifaceted visual history of the beautiful game.

One of the key themes explored in the collection is the way soccer has been used as a tool for promoting national identity and cultural heritage. Throughout history, soccer has played a significant role in shaping national identities and fostering a sense of unity among people. The illustrations and posters from different eras showcase the ways in which soccer has been used to promote national pride and celebrate cultural traditions.

Another important aspect of soccer's visual culture is its role in politics and social activism. Soccer has been used as a platform for expressing political messages and advocating for social change. Modern posters and artworks often depict soccer players as symbols of resistance and empowerment, highlighting issues such as human rights, poverty, and climate change.

Furthermore, soccer has been contested in visual terms, with different perspectives and interpretations of the game's imagery emerging. The collection includes works that challenge traditional notions of soccer and its players, highlighting the diversity and complexity of the sport. These works often challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity, promoting a more nuanced understanding of soccer and its fans.

In conclusion, "Picturing the Beautiful Game: A History of Soccer in Visual Culture and Art" is a groundbreaking collection that provides a comprehensive examination of the rich visual culture of soccer. By exploring the ways in which soccer has been promoted, commemorated, and contested in visual terms, the volume offers a new perspective on the sport and its place in society. The contributions of the contributors enrich the volume, providing a multifaceted visual history of the beautiful game that will appeal to soccer fans, artists, and scholars alike.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350435773