Art in Theory: the West in the World departs from its predecessors by focussing on relations between Western artists and writers, and the arts and material cultures of other parts of the world. It covers the entire extended modern period, from Renaissance and proto-Renaissance encounters, through the Enlightenment and Modernist periods, to contemporary globalisation. The book sets out to offer a nuanced picture of a long and complex field of interactions. It represents both a wide range of western attitudes and, with increasing frequency from the eighteenth century onwards, voices from areas of the world whose cultures were on the receiving end of western colonialism. As well as art and literature, the collection draws on writings by philosophers, politicians, merchants and travellers. Over half of the book is devoted to 20th and 21st century materials, though the book’s hallmark is the way in which it relates the modern globalisation of art to much longer cultural histories.

This event will open at 5pm with a drinks reception. Beginning at 5.30 pm there will be an introduction to Art in Theory by Paul Wood, further comments from Leon Wainwright, and a short presentation on the book by Professor Alex Potts. These will be followed by an informal discussion over drinks with the editors, until 7pm.

Read more about the book at: Art in Theory: the West in the World

Copies of the book will be available to purchase at a discount on the evening.

Book Launch: Art in Theory: the West in the World.