Artists Remake the World by Vid Simoniti: Book Launch
31 JANUARY / 6 PM – 8 PM / FREE, REGISTER
Spaces are limited. If you’re unable to attend, please return your ticket at Eventbrite
Vid Simoniti is joined in conversation by Sophie Oliver, to discuss his newly published book, Artists Remake the World: A Contemporary Art Manifesto.
In the book, Simoniti puts forward a new account of art’s political potential. Introducing the reader to a host of visionary artists who are currently active across the globe — including Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson, Maurice Mbikayi, Wangechi Mutu, and Hito Steyerl — Simoniti demonstrates the potential and limits of their transformative work, while tackling contemporary issues like the climate crisis, social justice and global inequality.
As the artworld increasingly comes to expect political themes in art, the book asks the foundational questions about aesthetics and politics: What difference can art make? Does political engagement exclude a concern for beauty? What is the difference between artists and activists?
The conversation will be followed by a drinks reception, and an opportunity to buy the book at a discounted rate.
Vid Simoniti is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, where he also runs MA Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions.
Sophie Oliver is a writer, curator and Senior Lecturer in English at the same university. She specialises in modernist women writers and artists, fashion, and feminist approaches to cultural history.
Praise for the book:
“Vid Simoniti elegantly, skilfully unpicks the interfaces where art meets politics. A process that stirs up substantive new material for contemplation.”— Cornelia Parker, artist
“An original thinker and masterful prose stylist with a huge, generous mind, Simoniti has written a subtle, courageous meditation on contemporary political art. This book offers us a profound critical reconsideration of the aesthetic resources we bring to the urgent human issues it addresses.”— Adrian Piper, artist and philosopher
“This book is a masterpiece: moving effortlessly between history, criticism and philosophy, it’s a gripping account of art’s ongoing ability to shake up the world.”— James Fox, author of The World According to Colour
Cover image: Maurice Mbikayi, Unitled.
We encourage you to use public transport or carpooling when getting to the events.
Open Eye Gallery is a short walk from the Liverpool ONE shopping centre and the Albert Dock.
By train. We are 20 minutes walk from Lime Street station. James Street station, served by Wirral Line trains, is a two minute walk. Moorfields station, served by the Northern and Wirral Lines, is a five minute walk. Visit Merseytravel for details of local train services.
By bus. The nearest bus and coach station is at Liverpool ONE, served by National Express coaches. Merseytravel has details of local bus services.
By ferry. The gallery is two minutes walk from the Pier Head Ferry Terminal, from which Mersey Ferries run regular services to the Wirral.
By bicycle. There are bicycle bays close to the gallery, opposite the entrance to the Museum of Liverpool, beside the Great Western Railway building.
If you wish to offset the carbon footprint of your travel, you can do it with Carbon Neutral Britain, Carbon Footprint, Forest Carbon, My Carbon Plan or any other project that you trust.
31 JANUARY / 6 PM – 8 PM / FREE, REGISTER
Spaces are limited. If you’re unable to attend, please return your ticket at Eventbrite
Vid Simoniti is joined in conversation by Sophie Oliver, to discuss his newly published book, Artists Remake the World: A Contemporary Art Manifesto.
In the book, Simoniti puts forward a new account of art’s political potential. Introducing the reader to a host of visionary artists who are currently active across the globe — including Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson, Maurice Mbikayi, Wangechi Mutu, and Hito Steyerl — Simoniti demonstrates the potential and limits of their transformative work, while tackling contemporary issues like the climate crisis, social justice and global inequality.
As the artworld increasingly comes to expect political themes in art, the book asks the foundational questions about aesthetics and politics: What difference can art make? Does political engagement exclude a concern for beauty? What is the difference between artists and activists?
The conversation will be followed by a drinks reception, and an opportunity to buy the book at a discounted rate.
Vid Simoniti is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Liverpool, where he also runs MA Art, Philosophy and Cultural Institutions.
Sophie Oliver is a writer, curator and Senior Lecturer in English at the same university. She specialises in modernist women writers and artists, fashion, and feminist approaches to cultural history.
Praise for the book:
“Vid Simoniti elegantly, skilfully unpicks the interfaces where art meets politics. A process that stirs up substantive new material for contemplation.”— Cornelia Parker, artist
“An original thinker and masterful prose stylist with a huge, generous mind, Simoniti has written a subtle, courageous meditation on contemporary political art. This book offers us a profound critical reconsideration of the aesthetic resources we bring to the urgent human issues it addresses.”— Adrian Piper, artist and philosopher
“This book is a masterpiece: moving effortlessly between history, criticism and philosophy, it’s a gripping account of art’s ongoing ability to shake up the world.”— James Fox, author of The World According to Colour
Cover image: Maurice Mbikayi, Unitled.
We encourage you to use public transport or carpooling when getting to the events.
Open Eye Gallery is a short walk from the Liverpool ONE shopping centre and the Albert Dock.
By train. We are 20 minutes walk from Lime Street station. James Street station, served by Wirral Line trains, is a two minute walk. Moorfields station, served by the Northern and Wirral Lines, is a five minute walk. Visit Merseytravel for details of local train services.
By bus. The nearest bus and coach station is at Liverpool ONE, served by National Express coaches. Merseytravel has details of local bus services.
By ferry. The gallery is two minutes walk from the Pier Head Ferry Terminal, from which Mersey Ferries run regular services to the Wirral.
By bicycle. There are bicycle bays close to the gallery, opposite the entrance to the Museum of Liverpool, beside the Great Western Railway building.
If you wish to offset the carbon footprint of your travel, you can do it with Carbon Neutral Britain, Carbon Footprint, Forest Carbon, My Carbon Plan or any other project that you trust.
