RE: Purposed

An exploration of the potential of waste and refuse in contemporary art, featuring interviews with nine artists. What is 'garbage'? 'Trash'? 'Rubbish'? More than a hundred years after Marcel Duchamp changed the course of Western art by re-focusing our view of 'found objects', artists today continue to explore 'refuse' and its many uses and meanings in contemporary art. This fascinating, fully illustrated book explores several recognisable trends among artists who consistently 're-purpose' garbage or detritus to create works that examine identity, index and environment. Each theme is a potent reminder of our close connection to the materials we use to create and facilitate our lives. In the deft hands of these artists, those connections are far from severed when these materials are discarded. Featuring interviews with artists Nick Cave, Aurora Robson, Mac Premo, Jill Sigman, Alyce Santoro and others, this cleverly designed volume highlights both recognisable and unpublished works of art from established and emerging artists in the field. AUTHOR: Matthew McLendon is the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. SELLING POINTS: * Features well-known sound suits by Nick Cave and sculptures by El Anatsui, as well as installations from Jill Sigman, the dumpster project by Mac Premo, ethereal sculpture by Aurora Robson, and high fashion textiles woven from cassette tape by Alyce Santoro