Negotiations in a Vacant Lot

This collection explores the shifting paradigms of Canadian art history, questioning national identity and embracing a global perspective in Negotiations in a Vacant Lot.

In Negotiations in a Vacant Lot, the authors delve into the evolving landscape of Canadian art history amid global perspectives. They pose critical questions regarding the relevance of 'Canada' as a category of inquiry in contemporary discussions. As the study of Canadian visual culture gains momentum beyond traditional art history departments, the contributors explore whether the concept of a national identity holds significance or if Canada is merely one of many 'vacant lots' where various social factors intersect.

The book examines the implications of viewing Canadian visual history through a lens that may disregard the essence of Canada itself. The authors argue that culture has increasingly become a tool for economic and socio-political purposes, echoing the ideas of urban theorists like Richard Florida. This perspective challenges the conventional state-supported narratives of Canadian art, suggesting that the intersections of national culture and globalization create a complex terrain for academic inquiry.

Through a collaborative effort, the contributors to Negotiations in a Vacant Lot present a rich tapestry of scholarly work, illustrated with a diverse array of Canadian art. By unsettling traditional notions of nationhood in the context of art and culture, this collection offers a forward-looking approach that embraces a global future, inviting readers to rethink the frameworks within which Canadian visual culture is studied and understood.