Alfredo Jaar's 'Studies on Happiness' Examined in New Afterall Publication
A new book by Edward A. Vazquez analyzes Alfredo Jaar's project 'Studies on Happiness' (1979–81), in which the artist asked Chileans 'Are you happy?' under Pinochet's dictatorship. The publication, part of Afterall's One Work series, contextualizes the work within Jaar's early practice and Chile's political transition. Vazquez explores how the project functioned as a feedback device to catalyze critical awareness through interviews, polls, and forums. The book includes 54 color illustrations and is available in paperback and e-book.
Key facts
- Alfredo Jaar's 'Studies on Happiness' was conducted between 1979 and 1981 in Chile.
- The project involved asking Chileans 'Are you happy?' under Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship.
- Methods included private interviews, sidewalk polls, and video-recorded forums.
- The project consisted of three years and seven phases.
- Edward A. Vazquez authored the book, published by Afterall.
- The book is part of the One Work series.
- It has 148 pages and 54 color illustrations.
- Published in 2023, available in paperback (£15.99) and e-book.
Entities
Artists
- Alfredo Jaar
Institutions
- Afterall
- MIT Press
Locations
- Chile
- Santiago
Sources
- Afterall —