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The power of art : a world history in fifteen cities / Caroline Campbell.

By: Publication details: London : Bridge Street Press, 2023.Description: 560 pages : illustrations (black and white, and colour) ; 24 cmISBN:
  • 9780349128481
Subject(s):
Contents:
Introduction
Babylon: Resilience
Jerusalem: Faith
Rome: Self-belief
Baghdad: Innovation
Kyoto: Identity
Beijing: Resolve
Florence: Competition
Benin: Community
Amsterdam: Tolerance
Delhi: Envy
London: Avarice
Vienna: Freedom
New York: Rebellion
Brasília: Love
Pyongyang: Control
Conclusion
Summary: Delves into the stories behind remarkable acts of creation in fifteen global cities at pivotal moments of artistic brilliance. It shows how art is an integral part of our daily lives, embedded in the very fabric of our existence. From the enduring wonders of ancient Babylon to the menacing pastel architecture of contemporary Pyongyang, eminent curator Caroline Campbell intertwines the stories of artists with the broader social, cultural and political landscapes of their time. In each vivid episode, Campbell reveals how art, in all its forms, is a testament to humanity's inventiveness and ingenuity: it has served our fundamental needs for shelter, sustenance, spirituality, pleasure, order and community. But it can also evoke envy, anger, greed, and even be used as a means of social control.

Includes bibliographic references (pp.443-484) and index.

Introduction

Babylon: Resilience

Jerusalem: Faith

Rome: Self-belief

Baghdad: Innovation

Kyoto: Identity

Beijing: Resolve

Florence: Competition

Benin: Community

Amsterdam: Tolerance

Delhi: Envy

London: Avarice

Vienna: Freedom

New York: Rebellion

Brasília: Love

Pyongyang: Control

Conclusion

Delves into the stories behind remarkable acts of creation in fifteen global cities at pivotal moments of artistic brilliance. It shows how art is an integral part of our daily lives, embedded in the very fabric of our existence. From the enduring wonders of ancient Babylon to the menacing pastel architecture of contemporary Pyongyang, eminent curator Caroline Campbell intertwines the stories of artists with the broader social, cultural and political landscapes of their time. In each vivid episode, Campbell reveals how art, in all its forms, is a testament to humanity's inventiveness and ingenuity: it has served our fundamental needs for shelter, sustenance, spirituality, pleasure, order and community. But it can also evoke envy, anger, greed, and even be used as a means of social control.