The Performing Observer: Essays on Contemporary Art, Performance and Photography

The Performing Observer is a collection of critical writings on contemporary art, performance, and photography, written over the past two decades. It examines an important series of interconnected practices and positions performance within a larger context. The artists selected are international and grouped together in sections such as Performance, Photography, Publicness, Video, Books, and Exhibitions. The book is accessible and appealing to a range of interested readers, offering scholarly and critical depth while retaining a writing style that will appeal beyond a strictly scholarly audience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 20 January 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

The Performing Observer is a captivating collection of concise and critical essays on contemporary art, performance, and photography, spanning the past two decades. These thought-provoking writings have been published in diverse venues, including art magazines, exhibition catalogues, online journals, and websites. The author, Patrick, delves into the works of a diverse range of global practitioners, from emerging to established artists, emphasizing their contributions to the field.

As the title suggests, Patrick views himself as both a performer and an observer while engaging with and documenting the art world. The primary objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive yet jargon-free survey of significant developments in contemporary art and culture. The artists examined in The Performing Observer are a testament to the international scope of the field, with a notable emphasis on artists from the southern hemisphere. These artists are organized into sections such as Performance, Photography, Publicness, Video, Books, and Exhibitions, allowing for a structured exploration of their diverse practices.

The book aims to unravel a specific modality of artistic expression, while also displaying an intriguing—and perhaps unwritten—interest in art writing itself. While both elements are compelling on their own, their combination creates a rich and multifaceted perspective. Accessibly written, The Performing Observer is particularly appealing to a wide range of interested readers, including students, artists, academics, and those simply seeking to expand their knowledge of contemporary art.

With its scholarly and critical depth, the book offers valuable insights into the world of contemporary art. However, its engaging writing style ensures that it resonates beyond the confines of the scholarly community, captivating readers with a passion for art and culture. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a scholar, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of artistic expression, The Performing Observer is a must-read that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the field.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789386745
Edition number: New ed