Reportage Drawing: Vision and Experience

Drawing shapes the truth and our understanding of the visual world by allowing artists to capture experiential qualities of place and engage in a rich dialogue with their subjects. This book explores the contemporary practice of reportage drawing, highlighting the role of sketch, caricature, and experience in shaping new insights about people, places, and political realities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Drawing shapes the truth and our understanding of the visual world in profound ways. It has persisted and thrived in our ever-changing media landscape because of its unique ability to capture the essence of a moment, a place, or a person.

In the past, reportage drawing was primarily focused on communicating information about events. However, contemporary practitioners have shifted their focus to capturing the experiential qualities of place and choosing locations that have personal and political significance. Artists today embrace subjectivity and use drawing to tell important stories about protest, human migration, war, corporate capitalism, and homelessness.

Louis Netter distinguishes contemporary reportage drawing from its historical function by exploring the aesthetic of the sketch, the role of caricature, and the nature of experience. The book features several prominent artists, including Jill Gibbon, Phoebe Glockner, Gary Embury, and Loup Blaster, who use drawing to convey powerful messages about social issues.

Drawing can foster new insights about people, places, and political realities in often subtle and challenging ways. It allows artists to capture the essence of a moment and convey emotions that words cannot. Through their work, artists can challenge our perceptions and encourage us to think critically about the world around us.

The act of reportage drawing has persisted and thrived in our ever-changing media landscape because it is a versatile medium that can be used in a variety of contexts. It can be used for journalism, activism, education, and personal expression. Drawing has the power to connect people and inspire change, and it continues to be an important tool for artists and storytellers alike.

In conclusion, drawing shapes the truth and our understanding of the visual world in profound ways. It has persisted and thrived in our ever-changing media landscape because of its unique ability to capture the essence of a moment, a place, or a person. Contemporary practitioners have embraced subjectivity and use drawing to tell important stories about social issues. Through their work, artists can challenge our perceptions and encourage us to think critically about the world around us. The act of reportage drawing has the power to connect people and inspire change, and it will continue to be an important tool for artists and storytellers in the future.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 232 x 155 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350253087