Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon: Global Perspectives on Contemporary Art and Difference

The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon explores artistic practice through an international lens, introducing the reader to thought, methodology, and everyday experiences from a globalized world. Gilane Tawadros experiments with different forms of writing to explore the work of leading artists and offer expert guidance on the cultural and historical contexts of global and contemporary art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon delves into the realm of artistic practice, embracing the politics of difference and offering a global perspective. This captivating collection of essays and writings, spanning over two decades, unveils the thought, methodologies, and everyday experiences that have emerged from an increasingly interconnected world. Through a radical lens, it presents a fresh framework for understanding contemporary art.

Gilane Tawadros, the author, employs a diverse range of approaches to bring cultural diversity to the forefront. From traditional criticism to fictional narratives, her critical variety reflects her openness to diverse perspectives and hints at the multifaceted ways in which contemporary art is created and presented. By engaging intimately with lived experiences, she explores the works of renowned artists such as Adel Abdessemed, Richard Avedon, Sonia Boyce, and Frank Bowling, providing expert guidance on the rich cultural and historical contexts of global and contemporary art.

The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon functions as a practice-based meditation on how to write about contemporary art. Tawadros playfully experiments with various forms of writing, from critical analyses to fictional narratives, inviting readers to engage in a thoughtful exploration of the art world. This book serves as a valuable resource for artists, art enthusiasts, and scholars alike, offering a deeper understanding of contemporary art and its global significance.

Weight: 940g
Dimension: 254 x 179 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501363337