Between art and activism, from climate change to immigration: the
multimedia work of Andrea Bowers
Based in Los Angeles, Andrea Bowers (born 1965) constructs her practice
around the notions of collaboration, representation and engagement.
Through her dedication to social and environmental justice, as well as
her partnerships with activist organizations and various protest
movements, Bowers has renegotiated her role as artist in society.
Running throughout her drawings, paintings, videos and installations is
a rigorous reevaluation of the concepts, structures and images that have
guided our relentless search for meaning and justice. With work that is
at once hyper-conceptual and socially engaged, Bowers creates spaces
within which to share and evaluate the potential of art as a tool for
social progress--while serving as witness and documentarian to the work
of activists worldwide.
This book is a comprehensive and definitive survey of Bowers' work to
date and investigates some of the key, longstanding interests that have
guided her practice. Critical pieces from writers of various backgrounds
and fields position Bowers' practice in the context of the movements,
histories and struggles that make up these broader concerns.
Accompanying these illuminating texts are full-color illustrations of
works, including a selection of Bowers' well-known neon sculptures and
large-scale installations, as well as numerous other drawings,
paintings, photographs and video works.
