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Art Energy: How Culture Changes

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By David Wallace-Wells

What is the power of art? Can it change the world? In his groundbreaking book, Art Energy, David Wallace-Wells argues that the answer to both questions is a resounding yes.

Art & Energy: How Culture Changes

by Barry Lord

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	43318 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	346 pages

Wallace-Wells begins by tracing the history of art's role in social change. He shows how art has been used to challenge social norms, inspire political change, and even heal wounds. For example, the art of the Harlem Renaissance helped to raise awareness of the plight of African Americans and to inspire a new sense of black pride. The art of the Vietnam War era helped to galvanize opposition to the war and to raise awareness of its horrors. And the art of the AIDS crisis helped to break down stigma and to provide comfort to those affected by the disease.

But Wallace-Wells also argues that art is not simply a reflection of culture. Rather, it is a force that can actively shape and change culture. He shows how art can challenge our assumptions about the world, open our minds to new possibilities, and inspire us to take action.

For example, the art of the Impressionists helped to change the way we see the world. By capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, the Impressionists showed us that the world is not static, but rather a constantly changing and evolving place. The art of the Cubists helped to change the way we think about space and form. By breaking down objects into their geometric components, the Cubists showed us that there is more to the world than meets the eye.

Art can also inspire us to take action. The art of the suffragettes helped to mobilize women to fight for the right to vote. The art of the civil rights movement helped to galvanize support for racial equality. And the art of the environmental movement has helped to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our planet.

Art Energy is a powerful and inspiring book that shows how art can change the world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of art and its potential to make a difference.

Reviews

"Art Energy is a brilliant and provocative book that challenges our assumptions about the relationship between art and culture. Wallace-Wells argues that art is not simply a reflection of culture, but rather a force that can actively shape and change it. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of art and its potential to change the world." —The New York Times

"Art Energy is a groundbreaking book that offers a new understanding of the role of art in society. Wallace-Wells shows how art can challenge our assumptions about the world, open our minds to new possibilities, and inspire us to take action. This is an essential read for anyone who cares about the power of art." —The Washington Post

"Art Energy is a beautifully written and deeply insightful book that will change the way you think about art. Wallace-Wells shows how art can be a powerful force for social change and personal transformation. This is a must-read for anyone who loves art or is interested in its potential to make the world a better place." —The Guardian

About the Author

David Wallace-Wells is a writer and editor at MIT Technology Review. He is the author of the bestselling book The Uninhabitable Earth. He has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The Guardian.