Exploring the intersection of art and social change, this book delves into how acts of rebellious creation have historically united people and sparked revolutions. It examines the vital role art can play in today's fractured world, marked by upheaval and crisis, and challenges readers to consider its potential to inspire transformation and foster community in times of discord.
Art has always been central to moments of great social change. From the avant-garde to the ages of revolution, the act of rebellious creation has been crucial to bringing people and ideas together. However, in an increasingly fractured world characterised by upheaval and crisis, what role can art play in ushering in transformation? Malcolm Miles offers a guide to contemporary art and activism, setting it firmly within the context of the avant garde and its legacies in the postwar period. He explores the rise of direct action to replace representational politics in organizations like Occupy and Extinction Rebellion, and in the movements to destroy or remove statues of slavers, and finds parallels in anti-institutional art practices. By engaging with the significant theoretical innovations of the last 50 years - modernism, postmodernism and contemporary critical thinking - Miles provides both an overview of political aesthetics and an introduction to how art activism works in its most memorable moments in history. Art Rebellion argues that beauty is radically other to the dominant society; that power relations can be transformed; that protest cultures and contemporary art grow together; and that art has a crucial interruptive role in forming new, more equal and just, realities.
The book critiques modernist urbanism, revealing how Arcadianism and instrumentalism undermine its progressive ideals. It explores the origins of modernist thought rooted in Cartesian space and highlights contradictions stemming from a reliance on depoliticized expertise. The author examines the postmodern landscape of industrial ruins and argues for a shift towards a more creative and democratic approach to urban design. Emphasizing the need for cities to foster proximity, diversity, and agency, it advocates for collaborative efforts in shaping the built environment.
Exploring the interplay between urban environments and literary forms, this critical introduction analyzes works from the late eighteenth century to the present. It highlights diverse examples from Europe, North America, and post-colonial regions, providing insights into how cities shape and inspire fiction, poetry, and literary criticism. The book delves into the cultural and historical contexts that inform these literary expressions, making it a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of urban narratives across different eras and geographies.
A critical look at cultural urban regeneration and how it is used as a political tool by the ruling elite to police populations.
"An introduction to a radical new aesthetic theory drawing upon both contemporary theory and art practice"--
Herbert Marcuse's aesthetic theories gain renewed significance in the context of today's unsustainable capitalism. This book serves as the first English introduction to Marcuse's ideas in decades, focusing on how his aesthetic concepts relate to a broader critical theory of society. It explores the implications of his thought for understanding and addressing the social and ecological crises stemming from capitalist excesses, making it a timely and relevant exploration of his work.
Exploring the intricate connections between modern cities and their cultural outputs, this critical work delves into how urban environments influence cultural development and vice versa. It examines the dynamic interplay of social, political, and economic factors that shape urban life and cultural identity, offering insights into the complexities of contemporary city living. Through detailed analysis, the book reveals how cities serve as both the backdrop and catalyst for cultural expression and transformation.
The Built and Social Architectures of Alternative Settlements
Focusing on everyday life and governance, this innovative work examines contemporary efforts to create a new society through detailed case analyses. It employs a wide-ranging theoretical and cross-disciplinary approach, highlighting various international examples and issues that shape modern societal structures.
Exploring the potential of art and architecture to effect social change, this book engages with the concept of a new cultural avant-garde in the modern context. It reflects on historical avant-gardes from the 19th and 20th centuries, analyzing their impact and relevance. Additionally, it critiques contemporary radical cultural practices, aiming to stimulate discussion about the role of avant-garde movements in transforming society today.