The Conditions of Being Art

This book offers a critical exploration of influential contemporary art galleries, highlighting the innovative practices of Pat Hearn and Colin de Land, as well as their impact on today's art world.

This insightful book, The Conditions of Being Art, delves into the dynamic world of contemporary art galleries, specifically focusing on the influential Pat Hearn Gallery and American Fine Arts, Co. from 1983 to 2004. It highlights the vibrant network of artists, dealers, and critics who were integral to these spaces. Through a thorough examination of the archives belonging to Pat Hearn and Colin de Land, the book reveals the unique artistic practices and significant exhibitions that shaped the New York art scene in the 1980s and 1990s, while also shedding light on their personal and professional relationship.

The Conditions of Being Art showcases how Hearn and de Land supported artists who pushed the boundaries of conventional gallery practices. Figures such as Renée Green, Susan Hiller, Andrea Fraser, and Cady Noland are discussed, emphasizing their use of conceptualism and installation art as tools for social and institutional critique. The book fills a crucial gap in the literature on experimental commercial spaces, providing a comprehensive account of alternative gallery practices that emerged during the 1990s, a period that continues to influence contemporary art dealers, curators, and artists today.

In addition to rich narratives and scholarly analysis, this volume is adorned with full-color images and detailed histories of the galleries, illustrating how Hearn and de Land redefined the role of an art gallery. Their innovative approaches explored new ethical dimensions in the art market, challenging traditional notions of art sales and curation, making The Conditions of Being Art a vital resource for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art practices.