Here And Beyond

Here and Beyond

Beyond Critique

Critique has long been a central concept within art practice and theory. Since the emergence of Conceptual Art, artists have been expected by critics, curators, and art school faculty to focus their work on exposing and debunking ideologies of power and domination. Recently, however, the effectiveness of cultural critique has come into question. The appearance of concepts such as the "speculative," the "reparative," and the "constructive" suggests an emerging postcritical paradigm. Beyond Critique takes stock of the current discourse around this issue. With some calling for a renewed criticality and others rejecting the model entirely, the book's contributors explore a variety of new and recently reclaimed criteria for contemporary art and its pedagogy. Some propose turning toward affect and affirmation; others seek to reclaim such allegedly discredited concepts as intimacy, tenderness, and spirituality. With contributions from artists, critics, curators and historians, this book provides new ways of thinking about the historical role of critique while also exploring a wide range of alternative methods and aspirations. Beyond Critique will be a crucial tool for students and instructors who are seeking to think and work beyond the critical.

Otherness

A wide-ranging and thought-provoking collection of short stories which confirms David Brin as one of the foremost writers of science fiction. It brings together stories like 'The Giving Plague' and 'Dr Pak's Preschool' which are among the most powerful and affecting of recent years. Brin's is an eloquent, incisive voice, always dealing with profound ideas and important issues, taking the genre to new heights.