Today Is Always Yesterday: Contemporary Brazilian Art

(Hardback)

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Description

Today Is Always Yesterday explores the historical constructs underlying contemporary art in Brazil. Michael Asbury, through his study of the South American nation's colonial and post-colonial condition, argues that art can not only illustrate history but activate it. The colours of the flag, a national emblem saturated with symbolism and which has become central to the culture wars of recent years, become devices to thematically structure the five chapters of the book. Asbury shows how artists have responded to cultural engagements and appropriations, and examines art's role in unravelling Brazil's foundational myths and its projected image as a racial melting pot. Richly illustrated, this book presents a compelling account of contemporary debates in Brazilian art.

Author Bio

Michael Asbury is Reader in the History and Theory of Art and Deputy Director of the Research Centre for Transnational Art, Identity and Nation at Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London. He has worked as an independent curator and art critic for over two decades and has written extensively on Brazilian modern and contemporary art.