What We Want Is Free: Generosity And Exchange In Recent Art (S U N Y Series in Postmodern Culture) (Paperback)

~ Ted Purves (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What We Want is Free makes a genuine contribution to current discussions and debates concerning art, politics, and culture."

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (January 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791462900
• ISBN-13: 978-0791462904
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #364,953 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars save your soul with art, March 1, 2008

By	pezbrigade (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

This book probably isn't an obvious choice for a relaxation read. My roommate was surprised to see I was reading it and wasn't enrolled in some class that required me to. I ran across this book randomly in a library and I'm really glad I did. I guarantee you these short essays will get you thinking, get you excited and get you inspired--

especially if you are:
-a self-identified "artist" that wants to think about your role and responsibility as an artist, and the context within which you create
-or anyone who cares about our society and wants to know what they can do to affect change in peoples lives -- to embody "every form of creative protest" you can think of, (as MLK says)


The book sags in some parts, but when it hits home it is spectacular.

The essays weave together to draw connections between art, society, commodity, violence, community, the small potential of meaning in a consumable object or idea, the strength found in human connection, and the awesome power of the small gesture.

It touches on the importance of societal critique (within yourself), but does so through positive examples of individual action. That makes this book inspirational; it unleashes the power of every person's creative potential.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

0 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars What We Want Is Free: Generosity And Exchange In Recent Art, July 22, 2007

By	A Walk (Athens, OH USA) - See all my reviews

I haven't read it all yet, but what I have so far is interesting. I bought it because my professor was published in this book.