Description
Book SynopsisCensored Art Today is an accessible, informed analysis of the debates raging around censorship of art and so-called ‘cancel culture’, focusing on who the censors are and why they are clamping down on forms of artistic expression worldwide. Art censorship is a centuries-old issue which appears to be on the rise in the 21st century - why is this the case?
Gareth Harris expertly analyses the different contexts in which artists, museums and curators face restrictions today, investigating political censorship in China, Cuba and the Middle East; the suppression of LGBTQ+ artists in 'illiberal democracies'; the algorithms policing art online; Western museums and 'cancel culture'; and the narratives around 'problematic' monuments. His fascinating study, which draws on extensive research and interviews, reveals why censorship has become the hottest of topics, impacting substantially on artists.
Trade ReviewSelected as one of
Wallpaper* magazine's Best Contemporary Art Books of 2022:
'From political censorship in China, Cuba and the Middle East to the suppression of LGBTQ+ artists, cancel culture and the algorithms policing art online, Harris’ superbly-researched book poses critical questions about the trajectory of free speech, free expression and ultimately, who gets to decide.' - Harriet Lloyd-Smith,
Wallpaper*'Where the book really excels is in exploring the novel situation in the West, where the most prominent instances of censorship now stem from progressive concerns for social justice and inclusivity. Harris' analysis is insightful and equitable [...]. And his final chapter, on the polarising question of historically problematic statues, is one of the most cogent and elegant short accounts of the subject you're likely to read.' - Gabriel Coxhead, Art Quarterly
Selected as one of FAD Magazine's Top Art Books to Read in 2023:
'I'm a fan of this series of books that takes important art topics and covers them in digestible reads. Gareth Harris looks at art in repressive regimes, the contentious issues of removing statues, and how social media controls the art we see.' – Tabish Khan, FAD Magazine
Table of ContentsForeword; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Political Censorship in China, Cuba and the Middle East; 2. The Suppression of LGBTQ+ Artists in 'Illiberal Democracies'; 3. The Algorithms Policing Art Online; 4. Western Museums and 'Cancel Culture'; 5. Censoring the Past? The Narratives around 'Problematic' Monuments; Conclusion; Notes; Bibliography; Index
