The Politics of Artists in War Zones: Art in Conflict

Contemporary war art in the West is explored in this book, looking at how it fits into discussions about war and imperialism in the 2020s, a decade after 9/11 and far beyond the "War on Terror." It brings together chapters from international contemporary artists, theorists, and curators with interviews from contemporary war artists to address new contexts in which war is found, such as social media and the "culture wars." The book focuses on three overlapping themes: memory and amnesia in colonial contexts, the complex role of "official war art," and questions of testimony and knowing in relation to alleged war crimes, torture, and genocide.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Contemporary war art in the West has taken on a new significance in the 2020s, a generation after the events of 9/11 and the 'War on Terror'. This book explores the role of contemporary art in shaping conversations about war and imperialism, bringing together chapters from international contemporary artists, theorists, and curators alongside the voices of contemporary war artists through original edited interviews. The book addresses the emerging contexts in which war is found, not only in contemporary conflict zones such as Ukraine, Yemen, and Syria but also in various aspects of Western culture, including social media and the 'culture wars'. Interviews with official war artists working in the UK, the US, and Australia, as well as those working in post-colonial contexts, provide valuable insights into contemporary processes of memorialization and the impact of British colonization on historical conflicts.

The book focuses on three overlapping themes: the role of memory and amnesia in colonial contexts, the complex role of 'official war art,' and questions of testimony and knowing in relation to alleged war crimes, torture, and genocide. Richly illustrated with numerous photographs, the book also features three substantial interview chapters that provide a hands-on exploration of the complexities and challenges faced by war artists. The Politics of Artists in War Zones offers a valuable perspective on the tensions between the contemporary art world and the portrayal of war, making it an essential reading for researchers in fine art, curatorial studies, museum studies, conflict studies, and photojournalism.

The role of memory and amnesia in colonial contexts is explored in the book. It highlights how historical events and trauma can be erased or suppressed, leading to a distorted understanding of the past. The book also examines how war artists can use their work to challenge these narratives and promote a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of history.

The complex role of 'official war art' is another theme explored in the book. It examines how governments and military institutions use art to promote their narratives and control public opinion. The book also considers the ethical implications of creating art that portrays war as a heroic or glorious event, particularly when it involves the use of propaganda or misinformation.

Questions of testimony and knowing in relation to alleged war crimes, torture, and genocide are also central to the book. It examines how war artists can use their work to document and testify to these crimes, and how they can navigate the ethical challenges of representing such sensitive and painful subject matter. The book also explores the role of museums and galleries in displaying and promoting war art, and the potential for these institutions to contribute to a more nuanced and critical understanding of war.

Overall, The Politics of Artists in War Zones is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of contemporary war art in the West. It provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of art in shaping our understanding of war and its impact on society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350386013