But Is It Art?: The Spirit of Art as Activism

by Nina Felshin (Editor)

Nonfiction. Art. Activisim. Criticism and Theory. An anthology that explores the rise of activist public art that agitates for social change. Included are discussions of such leading and controversial artists the Guerrilla Girls, Gran Fury, Group Material, Women's Action Coalition, and the Artist and Homeless Collaborative.

Genres: Art, Activism, Nonfiction, Art History

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book 4 years ago. It didn't take me 4 years to read, I was just so bored by the introduction that 3/4 of the way through it, I put the book down. I recently, in the last month, picked it back up, got through the end of the introduction and started reading the individual essays.

Let me be clear: the introduction sucked. BUT the essays were great. It was so inspiring to read about all these different artists in the 80s and 90s making public art, provoking reactions and discussions, telling the reader what their processes were and what their motivations were.

Some of the essays are either too long or just fucking dull. Luckily there were only like 2 or 3 like that. The ones that really piqued my interest were the ones that were provocative and geared toward forcing a public discussion around a social or moral issue. I also really appreciated the essays that spoke to collective or group process and funding. Thankfully there were plenty of essays that went into discussion about these aspects.

Also, as a historical document, the book was really cool. I learned about some activist and artist history from the 80s and 90s that I was unaware of. Really cool. Recommend, just don't read the introduction.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello Gurilla Girls!

[Babak Fakhamzadeh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but dated.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book appears to be out of print. Thus I did not use it the last time I taught "Arts and Social Change" a couple of years ago. Students who had seen the book from previous semesters squawked. I agree - it is the best book on the subject. Thus, I am using it next term. If you have not yet read it, do so. If you have read it, consider looking through it again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

andy totally stole this book from me, so i've only read like half of it