Eyewitness: Reports from an Art World in Crisis

Eyewitness deserves ongoing mention as an excellent survey of contemporary art and the evolution of an art world in crisis. Almost thirty essays examine this modern art world and the place of contemporary artists within it, lamenting the collapse of an instructional system which allowed for artistic evolution and examining how art career have changed.

Over twenty essays provides the thoughts of contemporary artists who reflect upon trends in the art world. Eyewitness charts the collapse of institutions and traditions and their replacement with new systems in the art world; showing how the influences of major institutions have affected the content and display of art around the world. Insights on a market-dominated art world are particularly well done and revealing.

I hadn't read much of Jed Perl's previous work when I picked up a copy of this book. I was amazed at the acuity of Perl's criticisms. I did not agree with his assessment of each individual artist, but I thought his general philosophy of viewing art was right on, and should be required reading in high schools across the land. I note that much if not all of this book was written before the SENSATION fiasco in New York; Perl certainly saw it coming.A truly magnificent book.