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: Paperback / softback
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 so-called 'War on Terror'. This book explores the role of contemporary art in shaping conversations about war and imperialism, bringing together chapters from international 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, including eX de Medici (Australia) and David Cotterrell (UK), as well as those working in post-colonial contexts, such as Baptist Coelho (India), provide valuable insights into contemporary processes of memorialization and the impact of British colonization on these regions. The editors reflect on these issues and their relation to historical conflicts, particularly focusing 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.

The Politics of Artists in War Zones is a comprehensive and richly illustrated exploration of the complexities and challenges faced by war artists. It contextualizes the tensions between the contemporary art world and the portrayal of war, providing a hands-on exploration of the complexities and challenges faced by these artists. The book is essential reading for researchers in fine art, curatorial studies, museum studies, conflict studies, and photojournalism, as it offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of contemporary war art.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 159 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350386020