Art and Human Rights: Contemporary Asian Contexts (Rethinking Art's Histories) - Softcover

Turner, Caroline; Webb, Jen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719099579 ISBN 13: 9780719099571

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2016

Synopsis

Contemporary Asian art has had a remarkable impact on global art practice, in addition to serving as a record of the region’s history from decolonisation to the present. Many Asian artists are deeply concerned about what it means to be human and to contribute to the development of a sustainable society, as well as having a sustained commitment to making art. This book, written at the start of the ‘Asian century’, focuses on the contexts and conditions which have helped to shape both art practice and postcolonial society in the region. One of the first surveys of contemporary Asian art, it uses case studies of key artists to discuss the work in relation to issues of human rights, social and environmental well-being and creativity. As such, it makes an important contribution to studies of contemporary Asian art and art history. -- .

About this title

About the Authors

Caroline Turner is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow in the Research School of Humanities and the Arts, Australian National University

Jen Webb is Director of the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research in the Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra

From the Back Cover

This book, written at the start of the 'Asian century', addresses a topic of enduring interest for artists, art historians and scholars of international relations and cultural history: what is the role of art in society; what is the relationship between art and society? Focusing specifically on contemporary Asian art through the lens of human rights discourse and practice, it contributes knowledge about a specific moment in art history: when Asian art burst onto the world scene, in the late twentieth century.

The authors employ a case study methodology based on extensive research and interviews with key artists whose work exemplifies approaches in the art community more generally. Artists selected for focus include those with a history of significant political activism, those whose work consistently reflects on or gives witness to human rights abuses and those who explore ethical relationships with others and with the natural environment.

This is one of the first surveys of the contemporary art of the region, and is organised into chapters on activism, war, divided societies, the impacts of decolonisation and globalisation and the role of art in worldmaking. It makes explicit both the contexts for art and the contributions of Asian artists, within and beyond their region, to these enduring issues of humanity. It extends knowledge of art history in the region and - by drawing together the biographies and oeuvres of key artists and theorising their work in light of the social, political and artistic contexts in which they operate - provides a much-needed text for students and scholars.

From the Inside Flap

This book, written at the start of the 'Asian century', addresses a topic of enduring interest for artists, art historians and scholars of international relations and cultural history: what is the role of art in society; what is the relationship between art and society? Focusing specifically on contemporary Asian art through the lens of human rights discourse and practice, it contributes knowledge about a specific moment in art history: when Asian art burst onto the world scene, in the late twentieth century. The authors employ a case study methodology based on extensive research and interviews with key artists whose work exemplifies approaches in the art community more generally. Artists selected for focus include those with a history of significant political activism, those whose work consistently reflects on or gives witness to human rights abuses and those who explore ethical relationships with others and with the natural environment.This is one of the first surveys of the contemporary art of the region, and is organised into chapters on activism, war, divided societies, the impacts of decolonisation and globalisation and the role of art in worldmaking. It makes explicit both the contexts for art and the contributions of Asian artists, within and beyond their region, to these enduring issues of humanity. It extends knowledge of art history in the region and - by drawing together the biographies and oeuvres of key artists and theorising their work in light of the social, political and artistic contexts in which they operate - provides a much-needed text for students and scholars.

Edition details

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0719099579
• ISBN 13: 9780719099571
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224