Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon: Global Perspectives on Contemporary Art and Difference

This collection of essays and writings by leading artists explores the surface, recovering it as a potentially radical frame to understand contemporary art and the everyday world. It functions as a practice-based meditation on how to write about contemporary art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Spanning a remarkable period from 1992 to 2017, this captivating collection of essays and writings showcases the exceptional work of renowned artists like Adel Abdessemed, Richard Avedon, Sonia Boyce, Frank Bowling, Omer Fast, Mona Hatoum, Susan Hiller, Alfredo Jaar, Glenn Ligon, and Shen Yuan. Gilane Tawadros, a prominent figure in both British and international art, emerges as a thought-provoking explorer, delving into the depths of difference to unveil its potential as a radical lens through which to comprehend contemporary art and the broader world. Through a diverse range of writing styles, from critical analyses to fictional narratives, the book serves as a practice-based exploration on the art of writing about contemporary art.

Introduction:
This collection of essays and writings, anchored in artistic practice, offers a profound exploration of the creative landscape from 1992 to 2017. It showcases the exceptional work of a diverse range of artists, each of whom has made significant contributions to the world of art. From Adel Abdessemed's thought-provoking installations to Richard Avedon's iconic photographs, Sonia Boyce's multimedia sculptures to Frank Bowling's abstract paintings, Omer Fast's kinetic installations to Mona Hatoum's haunting sculptures, Susan Hiller's conceptual installations to Alfredo Jaar's multimedia works, Glenn Ligon's poetic text-based installations to Shen Yuan's immersive installations, these artists have pushed the boundaries of artistic expression and challenged our perceptions of the contemporary world.

Gilane Tawadros as a Key Figure in British and International Art:
Gilane Tawadros, a prominent figure in British and international art, stands out as a visionary artist who draws attention to the surface and recuperates it as a potentially radical frame through which to understand contemporary art and the everyday world. Her work challenges traditional notions of art and aesthetics, inviting us to reconsider our perceptions and engage with the world in new and innovative ways. Tawadros' playful approach to writing, encompassing critical analyses, fictional narratives, and other forms of expression, adds depth and richness to her artistic practice. Through her writing, she explores the complexities of contemporary art and the broader social and political context in which it is produced, offering insights and perspectives that are both thought-provoking and inspiring.

Practice-Based Meditation on Writing About Contemporary Art:
This collection of essays and writings functions as a practice-based meditation on the art of writing about contemporary art. It explores the challenges and opportunities that arise when attempting to capture the essence of contemporary art in words. The authors offer insightful perspectives and techniques for writing about art, drawing from their own experiences and expertise. They discuss the importance of context, interpretation, and the power of language in conveying the meaning and significance of artistic works. The book encourages readers to engage with contemporary art on a deeper level, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the artistic process and the diverse range of artistic expressions that exist today.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this vibrant collection of essays and writings provides a captivating glimpse into the world of contemporary art. It showcases the exceptional work of leading artists and explores the thought-provoking ideas and perspectives of Gilane Tawadros. Through its practice-based meditation on writing about contemporary art, the book offers valuable insights and techniques for those who seek to understand and appreciate the complexities of this dynamic artistic landscape. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving world of art, this collection serves as a valuable resource and a testament to the power of creativity and artistic expression.

Weight: 1100g
Dimension: 186 x 261 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788314091