Today Is Always Yesterday
Contemporary Brazilian Art
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Reaktion Books
Published:19th Dec '23
Should be back in stock very soon
Today Is Always Yesterday explores the historical constructs underlying contemporary art in Brazil. Through his study of the South American nation’s colonial and post-colonial condition, Michael Asbury argues that art can not only illustrate history but activate it. The colours of the flag, a national emblem saturated with symbolism and which has become central to the culture wars of recent years, become devices to thematically structure the five chapters of the book. Asbury shows how artists have responded to cultural engagements and appropriations, and examines art’s role in unravelling Brazil’s foundational myths and its projected image as a racial melting pot. Richly illustrated, this book presents a compelling account of contemporary debates in Brazilian art.
This is an extraordinary volume. While concentrating on contemporary art in Brazil, and attending to its myriad historical, political, social and aesthetic ramifications, Today is Always Yesterday combines Michael Asbury's characteristic critical, objective acumen with an "insider" view of Brazilian culture. Furthermore, the author presents us with much more than another book on the contemporary scene: he gives an in-depth history of Brazilian art in all of its complexity, from the Portuguese era to the post-Bolsonaro, Lula-Redux period of today. Anyone even marginally interested in the dizzyingly complex nature of Brazilian creativity will be more than pleased with Asbury's panoramic contribution. * Edward J. Sullivan, Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the History of Art, New York University *
Taking the colours of the Brazilian flag as the innovative framework for his elegant narrative, Michael Asbury’s playful and erudite book is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, history and nationhood in contemporary art in Brazil and globally. * Gilane Tawadros, Director, Whitechapel Gallery *
Asbury challenges the cliché of national identity in Brazilian contemporary art by provocatively employing the national colours as metaphors. He provides essential historical context, critically deconstructing the themes and concepts examined within the pages of this compelling book. * Ana Magalhães, Director, The Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo *
One of the strengths of Today is Always Yesterday lies precisely in showing the role that art plays in the formation and historical and cultural construction of a nation. . . . Its publication allows for important gaps in our historiography to be filled. Today is Always Yesterday has much to add to the debate and to the Brazilian art system overall. * Mario Caillaux, Revista VIS: Revista Do Programa De Pós-Graduação Em Artes Visuais *
Today is Always Yesterday links Modernism to today in a compelling exploration of contemporary Brazilian art . . . a unique and insightful perspective. * The Art Newspaper *
ISBN: 9781789148008
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
312 pages