Title: The way of the shovel : on the archaeological imaginary in art
Abstract: Contemporary art is often obsessed with new, but it has recently begun to turn to projects centering on research and delving into archives, all in name of seeking and questioning historical truth. From filmmakers to sculptors to conceptualists, artists of all stripes are digging into rubble of past. In this catalog that accompanies an exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago in fall of 2013, Dieter Roelstraete gathers a diverse range of international artists to explore theme of melding archival and experiential modes of storytelling - what he calls the archaeological imaginary - particularly in wake of 9/11. The Way of Shovel offers a well-constructed balance among excursions into situation of contemporary art, broad philosophical arguments around subjects of history and archive, and cultural analysis. Roelstraete's opening essay maps critical terrain, while Ian Alden Russell explores roots of archaeology and its manifestations in twentieth-century art, Bill Brown examines artistic practices that involve historical artifacts and archival material, Sophie Berrebi offers a critique of document as seen in art after 1960s, and Diedrich Diederichsen writes on monumentalization of history in European art. The book features work by both established and young artists, and thoughtful entries by Roelstraete accompany exhibition catalog, along with statements from artists Moyra Davey, Rebecca Keller, Joachim Koester, Hito Steyerl, and Zin Taylor. The first exhibition to showcase this innovative approach to some of most intriguing art of past decade, The Way of Shovel is indispensable for anyone seeking to understand forces driving contemporary art.
Publication Year: 2013
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
Language: en
Type: book
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Cited By Count: 10
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