Seeing Power: Art and Activism in the Twenty-first Century

“Seeing Power” by Nato Thompson intelligently explores the meaning of art and activism as tools for social change. Mr. Thompson is a brilliant young art curator and an organizer with the activist art group, Creative Time. This well-written book will appeal to everyone who has ever pondered how we might join the imagined with the real to create the world we want.Mr. Thompson knows that the corporate media (film, television, video games, radio etc.) have defined how most people have come to understand art today. However, the fine arts community is dependent upon these same connections to wealth, power and privilege. For that reason, the author believes that artists whose works are politically ambiguous tend to be more richly rewarded through the gallery system; whereas artists whose didactic messages make all too clear their political intent are not always valued. The implication is that politically-engaged artists must learn how to interrogate the social beyond the walls of the gallery system.In fact, Mr. Thompson contends that our understanding of art is made as we experience the world around us. The author believes that Occupy Museums in 2011 illustrated how activism can successfully challenge the programming and funding practices of an elite institution. However, the author feels that artists must connect with the struggles of people whose communities have been impoverished by corporate economics and culture. Artistry joined with activism can help create a better world.On that point, Mr. Thompson brings the discussion to life with many interesting examples of socially-engaged art. For example, the author himself had a role in organizing a performance of Waiting for Godot in the traumatized Lower Ninth Ward of post-Katrina New Orleans. He cites the performance artist Tania Bruguera as an example of “useful art” whose politics have drawn attention to the struggles of immigrant families in Queens, New York. I was also intrigued by the author’s description of the United Victorian Worker’s protest in 2005 that succeeded in confounding reality and performativity while highlighting age-old issues of labor, gender and justice.I highly recommend this excellent book to everyone.

This is an exceptional book. Complex ideas clearly set out in very readable prose. Best of all though is the excitement, the hope and the inspiration for those of us who make work with the fervent wish that our work will be a part of a crucial dialogue about the world we want to live in. I love Thompson's inclusion of the importance of conviviality in the process of us working at "the intersection of art and politics". Dont just read it - do it!

very interesting

This is a great book that discusses multiple socio-political issues explored by artists, activists, movers and shakers. Thompson's language is clear and direct and his examples reinforce his ideas very well. Recommended for artists, curators, and anyone who is about to start a community oriented project!

This book is very insightful for creatives and anyone interested in learning the dynamics around power. If you manage a space or own a space of any kind this book is an excellent read.

Very interesting work.

The picture doesn’t match the title and I got confused because I was ordering quickly and ordered the wrong book. The titled book is good but not what intended.

Excellent read! This book explores complex important concepts about the art world, and does clearly and with powerful examples.