At the outset, Luke states that his book is a "collection of politically grounded critiques about art." With a keen eye, he examines exhibitions in the context of the political arena, seeking to illustrate how "artistic codes and aesthetic displays can create new currents of social, political, economic, and cultural meaning." Citing examples of works by specific artists and exhibits, Luke takes the reader on a verbally visual trek from the myth-vision of the Old American West, the new Southwest, up to and through the burgeoning power of Japan and other post-World War II influences. While Luke admits his interpretations are contestable, his insightful and often incisive views illustrate how inextricably power, politics, ideology, and art are interwoven into our lives. This is recommended for academic libraries, and any collections with a strong interest in art writing, critical theory, and cultural politics.
Content Note
George Caleb Bingham : contested ground -- Frederic Remington : riding into the sunset -- Frederic Edwin Church : earth first? -- The West explored : how the West was won, or why is the winning westernized? -- Georgia O'Keeffe : ideology and utopia in the American Southwest -- Frank Lloyd Wright : in the realm of ideas -- American impressionism, California school : "California dreamin'"? -- Japan, the shaping of Daimyo culture, 1185-1868 : the ironies of imperialism in the Empire of Signs -- Made in U.S.A. : "the pride is back"? -- Ilya Kabakov : Soviet life -- Hans Haacke : unfinished business -- Sue Coe : pure war in the zero world -- Hispanic art in the United States : "this is not a barrio" -- Roger Brown : tracing the silhouettes from the shadow of the silent majorities -- Robert Longo : the ecstasy of communication -- Culture and commentary : riding the hoverculture -- The politics of images : art criticism as cultural criticism.