Description:
The Performing Observer is a collection of short, critical writings on contemporary art, performance, and photography written over the course of the past two decades. These texts were originally published in a variety of settings, including art magazines and exhibition catalogues, online journals and websites. A wide range of global practitioners are analysed, from emerging to established artists. As the title suggests, Patrick feels that he is simultaneously performing a role while observing and writing about the field. The intention is to present a well-informed but jargon free survey of many significant developments in contemporary art and culture. Among the artists discussed are: Francis Alys, Laurie Anderson, Chris Burden, William Eggleston, Cindy Sherman, and Andy Warhol. The book examines an important series of interconnected contemporary art practices. Layering writings on performance-based work, material forms and photography, it positions performance within a larger context. The artists selected are genuinely international with a strong focus on the southern hemisphere, and are grouped together in sections Patrick calls Performance, Photography, Publicness, Video, Books and Exhibitions. It aims to make sense of a specific modality of art making with an interesting - and to a degree unspoken - interest in art writing itself. Both elements are compelling separately but especially so together. Accessibly written and especially approachable for a range of interested readers.
