Direction of Art Explored: Interview with Marcus Verhagen, Editor of Modern Art Trends
In the ever-evolving world of contemporary art, the "New Directions in Contemporary Art" series, edited by Marcus Verhagen, serves as a beacon for those seeking to delve into the latest methodological and conceptual trends. Published by Lund Humphries, this curated collection of books aims to provide accessible, polemical insights into contemporary issues in the art world.
The series, which currently consists of six books with more on the horizon, includes titles such as "Performance in the Museum" and "Flows and Counterflows; Globalisation in Contemporary Art," the latter of which was penned by Verhagen himself and published by Sternberg Press in 2017. Upcoming releases include "Decentring the Museum: Contemporary Art Institutions and Colonial Legacies" by Nina Möntmann and a book addressing the topic of decolonisation of art institutions.
Verhagen, who has been teaching at art colleges in and around London since 2002 and has also held positions at universities in both Britain and the States, is no stranger to the art world. His extensive writing career spans over seventy articles and reviews for esteemed art magazines such as Art Monthly and Frieze. He also wrote his doctoral dissertation at Berkeley on visual culture in France in the late nineteenth century.
The series, which responds to existing debates and aims to recast them in vital new terms, is designed to engage academics, practitioners, and students interested in the latest methodological and conceptual trends in contemporary art. The books are written in lucid and engaging language, making them accessible to students as well as seasoned insiders.
However, the art world is not without its challenges. Insufficient infrastructure, skewed support towards the commercial sector, declining state support, and unrepresentativeness of the broader population are just a few of the issues that the series, and the art world at large, must confront.
Despite these challenges, Verhagen remains optimistic. He advocates for increased funding for art schools and public galleries, but acknowledges that this may be a tall order in the current climate, particularly in the UK.
One of Verhagen's personal highlights in the art world was seeing sprinters run past him at Tate Britain in 2008, which he later learned was part of Mour websitein Creed's Work No. 850. This anecdote serves as a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that, like the "New Directions in Contemporary Art" series, it is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries.
As the series continues to grow, with more books on the horizon, it will undoubtedly remain a vital resource for those seeking to understand and appreciate contemporary artistic practices. With Verhagen at the helm, the series is poised to continue exploring new directions and fostering critical dialogue in the field of contemporary art. Another book by Verhagen, titled Viewing Velocities, is due out with Verso in 2023, further cementing his position as a leading voice in the field.
The "New Directions in Contemporary Art" series, edited by Marcus Verhagen, not only delves into contemporary art trends but also ventures into other areas of interest, such as technology, education-and-self-development, and entertainment, as evidenced by Verhagen's diverse writing career that spans over seventy articles and reviews in magazines like Art Monthly and Frieze. One can envision a scenario where this series, with its lucid and engaging language, also includes books on lifestyle and other aspects of contemporary culture, continuing to evoke thought and stimulate intellectual discussions.
