In a world ruled by seemingly continuous and increasingly complex conflicts, questions about justice, about ‘the right’ course of action, are at the forefront of artistic investigation. In Aesthetic Justice sociologist Pascal Gielen and curator Niels Van Tomme invite a variety of artists and critical thinkers to reflect on new futures for the notion and practice of justice. Launching the proposition of ‘aesthetic justice’, the book offers thought-provoking views on how works of art can confront, and potentially redirect social and political imaginaries. Using analyses of contemporary art works that challenge the social, political, or economic status quo, as well as theoretical reflections and interviews with artists, this book imagines alternatives for a more just future.
Contributors: Zoe Beloff, Arne De Boever, Mark Fisher, Mat Fraser, Pascal Gielen, Kerry James Marshall, Victor Misiano, Carlos Motta, Nat Muller, Julie Atlas Muz, Tessa Overbeek, Gerald Raunig, Dieter Roelstraete, Hito Steyerl, Julia Svetlichnaja, Hakan Topal, Niels Van Tomme, Samuel Vriezen, Christian Wolff