Situation

More about the book

Situation—a unique set of conditions across material, social, political, and economic relations—has emerged as a pivotal concept in twenty-first-century art. Originating from artistic practices of the 1960s and 1970s, the idea has evolved within the context of globalization. This anthology compiles essential writings on art practice and theory related to situation, addressing site specificity, the artist as ethnographer, the interplay between action and public space, and the curator's role in situation-specific art. In North America and Europe, site-specificity often resists art's commoditization, while in other regions, it challenges institutional authority. Contributors explore these trends amid the rise of international biennials, curatorial projects, and strategies that redefine situation-based art. Featured artists include Vito Acconci, Allora & Calzadilla, Francis Alÿs, and many others, while writers such as Arjun Appadurai, Michel de Certeau, and Hal Foster provide critical insights. The anthology highlights the dynamic relationship between art and its context, emphasizing how artists increasingly unsettle traditional definitions and legitimations of their work in contemporary society.