Artificial Hells: Participatory Art and the Politics of Spectatorship

Bishop's chapter 2 addressing the work of early 20th century avant-garde artists is terrific. It enhances the discussion of their practices on a participatory level. But her introduction and chapter 1 on the "social turn" are problematic. She wants to condemn other writers in her field so much that she sounds at times as if she is promoting bullying as an art. In the Trump era, her critical framework and analyses can be annoying. She also sometimes looks at artists' works in a reductive fashion. I can see why Maria Lind has been critical of Bishop for being too "impressionistic." Bishop ignores the complexities in the work of Santiago Sierra to such an extent that she makes him seem like a creep. I would skip the introduction and chapter 1, as well as the last half of the book. The latter tends to fall apart, with her examples seeming too random. She tries too hard to avoid obvious and important historical examples.

If you think Group Material is stupid this book will make you feel smart. Situates social practice art in a timeline that makes it seem mundane. Now I am emboldened to believe that curation as art is just a power grab by people who are bad at using their hands.

I can't read this book on my mac. I've chatted with tech support and they know its a problem but they can't fix it. I can't even select the book on Kindle for Mac or the whole thing freezes up. I've read bits of the book on my iPhone, and it seems like a great book, but I don't have any other way to publicly complain about this problem. Sorry Claire! Kindle Tech! Get your act together!!!

Unquestionably informative and chronologically coherent, Bishop's book is great for the advanced scholar or connoisseur of performance and socially engaged art. That said, there's a lot of information with tendrils across centuries as well as mediums, and the language is very forthright in presenting Bishop's opinions; so, it's potentially a bit daunting for those new to the subject.

Claire Bishop convincingly raises questions about "social practice" art by providing a detailed historical overview along with a thorough examination of contemporary work in the field. "Artificial Hells" successfully clarifies what art is and what it is not.

great for history and trauma

Learnt so much from this book, have used it for lectures, historical and wonderful critical analysis, pleasure to read.

Worth having as reference for social engagement aspects of BA Fine Art study. Historical perspective including some images, makes it all less daunting.

It's an amazing book

Claire Bishop is so central to the public / participation thang that you kind of have to read this but Grant Kester is a much better writer. This book has some great bits of info in it but it feels like it is written by a journalist, not an academic. If you liked 'participation (whitechapel)' then this is better but I would say buy Kester instead. Get this out of the library!

Fantastic book! Really helping me with my thesis!