Contemporary Sculpture and the Critique of Display Cultures

This insightful book examines contemporary assemblage sculpture and its critical engagement with materials, showcasing significant exhibitions and artists in the field.

In Contemporary Sculpture and the Critique of Display Cultures, Dan Adler explores the evolving landscape of contemporary art, particularly focusing on assemblage sculpture. He examines how artists are increasingly using found materials, often discarded items left on the streets, to create works that challenge traditional notions of art and display. These materials, which Adler refers to as 'tainted,' are combined in ways that allow each component to maintain its unique identity while contributing to a larger narrative about consumption, waste, and the capitalist framework that shapes our society.

Adler develops a series of aesthetic models that help readers understand the critical function of these assemblage practices. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific exhibition, providing a detailed analysis of how artists like Isa Genzken, Geoffrey Farmer, Rachel Harrison, and Liz Magor utilize their chosen materials to engage with themes of memory, identity, and the socio-political implications of display cultures. Through these case studies, Adler invites readers to reconsider the relationship between art and the environments in which it is presented, highlighting the dialogue between the artwork and the viewer.

Ultimately, Contemporary Sculpture and the Critique of Display Cultures serves as both a scholarly examination and a thought-provoking commentary on the current state of art. Adler's insights challenge us to reflect on the significance of materiality in contemporary art and the broader cultural narratives that these works both reflect and critique.