The Visible project (Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto/Fondazione Zegna) was commissioned by the Public Art Agency Sweden to conduct research on the relationship between theory and socially engaged artistic practices, and Collectively Annotated Bibliography: On Artistic Practices in the Expanded Field of Public Art is the result of such research. Compiled and edited by Judith Wielander and Matteo Lucchetti, the 150 different materials included inside this book reflect a decolonial perspective that takes into account the biases, privileges and power positions of those who have dictated the dominant perspectives on art history so far.
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The publication is the result of a longstanding commitment by Public Art Agency Sweden and Visible to issues of knowledge production in terms of collective and critical work in the expanded field of public art. Conceived as an annotated bibliography, that is, a classic bibliography with brief explanations of the major themes of each book, this bibliography is introduced via conversations with a philosopher (Emanuele Coccia), an academic researcher (Andrea Phillips) and an independent curator (Gabi Ngcobo). They reflect on what creating a bibliography that informs and inspires artistic practices in the extended field of public art means today.
Perhaps this annotated bibliography represents a possible alliance that departs from the bookshelves of our living rooms while we are experiencing isolation and social distancing in the solitude of our homes. The bonds that this research visualises across book suggestions and urgencies of our times is already an extended field where art practices for the common good are planting new seeds.
Judith Wielander and Matteo Lucchetti
At the core of this Collectively Annotated Bibliography are the ten curators and researchers (Miguel A. López, LU Pey-Yi, Julia Morandeira Arrizabalaga, Narawan Kyo Pathomvat, RAW Material Company, Shela Sheikh, Pelin Tan, Meenakshi Thirukode, Joanna Warsza, Vivian Ziherl) from diverse backgrounds and contexts who have been invited to suggest the titles that are most representative of the current debate on the present and future of art in the public domain. Each bibliographical note is supplied by one or more quotes – some in their original language – and links to the publishers or reviews to explore topics addressed in the suggested books in more detail.
About the author
Judith Wielander is an independent curator based in Brussels and Lecce. Her main curatorial research is focusing on the intersection of Art and Social Engagement. She has been curator at Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto from 2002 to 2010. Among numerous exhibition projects, she initiated and developed in 2010 with Wael Shawky the film trilogy Cabaret Crusades producing the first film The Horror Show File; co-curated the Belgian Pavilion at the 14th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia 2014 and co-curated Le Jardin Essential - Parckdesign 2016, in Brussels. Currently, she is developing with the artist Nico Docks the program Expanding Academy at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerpen. Judith Wielander co-curates with Matteo Lucchetti the Visible Project since 2010.
About the author
Matteo Lucchetti is a curator, art historian, and writer. His main curatorial interests are focused on artistic practices that redefine the role of art and the artist in society. Among his curatorial projects: Sammy Baloji. Other Tales, Lunds Konsthall and Kunsthal Aarhus, 2020; Marinella Senatore: Piazza Universale. Social Stages, Queens Museum, New York, 2017; De Rerum Rurale, 16th Rome Quadriennale, Rome, 2016; Enacting Populism in its Mediæscape, Kadist Art Foundation, Paris, 2012. Since 2010 he curates the Visible project with Judith Wielander. He served as Curator of Exhibitions and Public Programs at BAK, Utrecht in 2017–2018.He lectured as a guest professor at HISK, Gent; Piet Zwart Institute, Rotterdam, and contributed to magazines such as Mousse Magazine, Manifesta Journal, and Art Agenda.
