Review by Choice Review
This dense book is written in response to the explosion of the art world since 1989, precipitated by such world-changing events as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of apartheid, and the Tiananmen Square riots. It is divided into 14 chapters, some more relevant than others, each with three essays addressing a specific topic. Among the more interesting and pertinent topics are the globalization of the art world, the expansion of biennial and art fairs as venues, the use of technology as a medium, the theme of social activism, and the relevant education of the studio artist. A number of common threads are evident across the collection. Many of the essays make reference to past theorists such as C. Greenberg, M. Fried, and R. Krauss. In contrast, N. Bourriaud's sociological theory of relational aesthetics is often referenced as the popular current theory, one that takes into account the social interaction of today's artists. The essays are consistently well written and include copious notes. Overall, the book is meaty with content yet very much lacking in illustrations, which could have usefully clarified some of the more obscure topics. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. A. Calluori Holcombe University of Florida
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
