Depraved
The Story of Dangerous Art
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Depraved
Pre-order for $23.91
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Narrated by:
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By:
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Daisy Dixon
About this listen
A bold, expansive argument for a new way to understand immoral art in our time of cultural and political upheaval
In this unconventional journey through the history of art, philosopher and artist Daisy Dixon explores works of art that society has condemned as depraved, obscene, or dangerous, from prehistoric sculpture to extreme metal music, videogames to classical paintings. Interrogating our sense of morality, past and present, Depraved asks readers to engage with essential questions about art, censorship, social progress, and the eternal debate over right and wrong. Can an artwork speak? How can it shape or distort our world? Who gets to decide whether a work of art is depraved, and what are the qualities that make it so? And of course, what should we do about it?
As art is subjected to renewed criticism in the cultural and political spheres, it is imperative that we examine it with care. Only by understanding the long history of depraved art can we begin to bring our own age into focus. Art can be dangerous—but censorship can be equally catastrophic. Where does this leave us? With wit, fascinating anecdotes, and shrewd analysis, Dixon crafts a path forward that demands a new understanding of the nature of art itself.
Critic Reviews
‘‘A brilliant story about art’s dark power over the human imagination. Daisy Dixon offers bold new ways to think about how art shapes our lives — and how to engage with art that shocks, horrifies, or harms. An essential, timely, sparklingly smart book for anyone who wants to place the culture wars in their historical and philosophical context.” —Dan Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Plantagenets and Henry V
“Lively, explicit, provocative. Philosopher Daisy Dixon gives her verdict on depraved art from a diverse group that includes Neolithic cave painters, the Marquis de Sade, Marina Abravomić, and Cardi B.” —Nigel Warburton, author A Little History of Philosophy
“Clear, very accessible, and thought-provoking, Depraved is an elegant blend of art history and philosophy that invites us to stare into the abyss while wrestling with the ethics of threatening, shocking, and uncomfortable art.” —Greg Jenner, author of A Million Years in a Day
“Essential. Daisy Dixon writes with grace, wit, and moral clarity about the weaponization of art. Depraved is an urgent reckoning with institutional violence, curatorial practice and the meaning of freedom — demonstrating the always-intertwined nature of aesthetics and ethics.” —Dan Hicks, author of Every Monument Will Fall
“Lively, explicit, provocative. Philosopher Daisy Dixon gives her verdict on depraved art from a diverse group that includes Neolithic cave painters, the Marquis de Sade, Marina Abravomić, and Cardi B.” —Nigel Warburton, author A Little History of Philosophy
“Clear, very accessible, and thought-provoking, Depraved is an elegant blend of art history and philosophy that invites us to stare into the abyss while wrestling with the ethics of threatening, shocking, and uncomfortable art.” —Greg Jenner, author of A Million Years in a Day
“Essential. Daisy Dixon writes with grace, wit, and moral clarity about the weaponization of art. Depraved is an urgent reckoning with institutional violence, curatorial practice and the meaning of freedom — demonstrating the always-intertwined nature of aesthetics and ethics.” —Dan Hicks, author of Every Monument Will Fall
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