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Distributed for Reaktion Books

Today Is Always Yesterday

Contemporary Brazilian Art

A compelling survey of contemporary radical art in Brazil.
 
Today Is Always Yesterday explores the historical constructs underlying contemporary art in Brazil. Michael Asbury argues that art can activate as well as illustrate history. The colors of the Brazilian flag structure the book’s five chapters as Asbury explores artists’ vital role in unraveling Brazil’s core myths and its projected image as a racial melting pot. Richly illustrated, this book presents a compelling account of contemporary debates in Brazilian art.

320 pages | 115 color plates, 20 halftones | 7 1/2 x 9 3/4 | © 2023

Art: Art Criticism, Art--General Studies


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Reviews

"Asbury challenges the cliché of national identity in Brazilian contemporary art by provocatively employing the national colors as metaphors. He provides essential historical context, critically deconstructing the themes and concepts examined within the pages of this compelling book."

Ana Magalhães, Director, The Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo

"One of the strengths of Today is Always Yesterday lies precisely in showing the role that art plays in the formation and historical and cultural construction of a nation. . . . Its publication allows for important gaps in our historiography to be filled. Today is Always Yesterday has much to add to the debate and to the Brazilian art system overall."

Mario Caillaux, Revista VIS

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