Two New Books Debate Art-Activism's Paradox: From Avant-Garde Realization to Institutional Takeover

Two recent works offer contrasting perspectives on the concept of art as activism. In 'The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art,' Gregory Sholette explores the origins of this movement, tracing it back to the late 1960s. He posits that it integrates art into daily life within the context of neoliberal capitalism, evolving through feminist and leftist initiatives to the interventionism of the 1980s and 1990s. He emphasizes a shift towards specific social issues and mentions recent calls to abolish 'high culture.' Conversely, Alexander Adams's 'Artivism: The Battle for Museums in the Era of Postmodernism' critiques modern 'artivism' as a government-driven cultural appropriation, suggesting it favors activist agendas over societal diversity. Sholette's work is available from Lund Humphries for £29, while Adams's is published by Societas for £14.95.