ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

The Return of the Body in Contemporary Art

publication · 2026-04-23

Vincent Labaume analyzes the resurgence of the body in contemporary art, a subject absent since the exhibitionist excesses of the 1970s. He describes this return as outrageous, violent, narcissistic, and jubilant, ultimately critical. Labaume interrogates the dual function of the body as both advertising and consumer object.

Key facts

  • The body was absent from contemporary art since the 1970s.
  • The body has returned as a subject in contemporary art.
  • Vincent Labaume is the author of the analysis.
  • The return is described as outrageous, violent, narcissistic, and jubilant.
  • The return is critical in nature.
  • Labaume questions the dual function of the body as advertising and consumer object.
  • The article was published in artpress in December 1992.

Entities

Artists

  • Vincent Labaume

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources