State of the Art : Ideas and Images in the 1980s

Produced in conjunction with a television series, this book begins with a definition of art as necessarily social and ideological and then addresses issues in the visual arts through the discussion of ideas, descriptions of works, and interviews with artists. Nairne examines definitions of postmodernism, artists' use of history, institutions that define art's aesthetic and economic value, ideas of creativity and work, sexuality and representation, art and politics, and the role identity and culture play in the production and reception of art. Biographical notes. Circa 200 bibl. ref

The Second Link : Viewpoints on Video in the Eighties

A series of essays examine the presentation and reception of video by artists in relation to broadcast television and discuss individual artists' works. Biographical notes on the 33 participating artists and nine authors. Circa 150 bibl. ref

The Impossible Self

Conceived of as a "sequel" to "Space Invaders", the exhibition investigates the relationship between art and popular culture. Work by nine international artists is brought together with two essays, extensive interviews and artist's statements to develop various concepts of the self in Western thought and cultural production

Space Invaders

According to Ferguson, avant-garde artists have reaffirmed the position of the subject in a society of simulation by incorporating images from mass culture into their work. Nairne traces the history of the use of found objects in sculpture. Includes statements by the nine artists and biographical notes. Circa 300 bibl. ref