Reflections, analysis, and debates address the shift in artistic
practice from representation to direct social action.
One of the most significant shifts in contemporary art during the past
two decades concerns artists and collectives who have moved their
artistic focus from representation to direct social action. This book
shows why this transition might change our understanding of artistic
production in general and make us reconsider the role of art in society.
The Art of Direct Action gathers internationally recognized artists,
scholars, and experts in the field of socially engaged art to reflect
upon historical developments in this field and explore the role that
German artist Joseph Beuys's concept of social sculpture played in its
evolution. The contributions provide theoretical reflections, historical
analysis, and critical debates about exemplary socially engaged art
projects since the 1970s, examining the strategies, opportunities, and
failures of this practice.
Contributors
Karen van den Berg, Mary Jane Jacob, Cara Jordan, Grant Kester, Philipp
Kleinmichel, Kuda Production, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Marina
Naprushkina, Dan Peterman, Rainer Rappmann, Pedro Reyes, John Roberts,
Gregory Sholette, Caroline Tisdall, Anton Vidokle, Caroline Woolard
