User:LMcardamom/sandbox/Art and Politics Now

Art and Politics Now is a book by Irish academic and critic, Dr Anthony Downey. Published by Thames and Hudson in 2014, it is "An accessible guide to politically engaged art of the 21st century, exploring some of the most daring and ambitious art projects of our time"

Downey divides the book into eleven headings for exploring and understanding political art today including: Globalisation, Labour, Citizens, Activism, Conflict, Terror, History, Camps, Environments, Economies and Knowledge. Over all, he brings into question the role that art plays in society in an increasingly political focused art world. In Downey's words, "Rather than examining politics as a government-led system of administration, or as a series of policies that advocate specific views on certain issues, this book looks towards an expanded notion of the political."

Of the 200 artists looked at, Ai Weiwei, Renzo Martens, Hito Steyerl and Theaster Gates are included. The most pressing issues of our time over the past 15 years, examined by artists, open new areas of debate, discussed at length by Downey. The book expands the readers understanding of art as well as the role of the artists.

Critics have said, "Downey’s ability to contextualise a range of artistic approaches within such a pacey format makes this both a useful reference and an enjoyable read." and "This book is not only a timely overview of the art world’s involvement in politics, but it also a good contemporary reference for academics who are interested in artistic practice in politics and its potential to engage, and even redefine, political discourse."