Steven Cohen subject of new Taxi Art Book
The controversial performance artist Steven Cohen is the subject of the eighth Taxi art book, a series of monographs aimed at exposing contemporary South African artists and their work. This new book offers a comprehensive introduction to Cohen's work, from his silk-screened canvases and furniture to his 'living art' performances.
Cohen's work characteristically deals with outsider identity, the artist often using his own and others' bodies to create 'living art' that references sculpture, contemporary dance, drag and performance art.
The new book includes an extensive essay written by Shaun de Waal and Robyn Sassen, providing a conceptual and theoretical framework for approaching Cohen's art. John Hodgkiss edited the diverse selection of reportage and portrait photographs illustrating the book.
The book is accompanied by an educational supplement, which has been written by Dr. Jillian Carman, an art historian and museologist based in Johannesburg and formerly a curator at the Johannesburg Art Gallery.
Initiated in 2000 by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Pro Helvetia Liaison Office South Africa, the TAXI Art Book Series is funded by these organisations, together with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the National Arts Council of South Africa.
The TAXI Art Books series was initiated in 2000 by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Pro Helvetia - Arts Council of Switzerland, and is published by David Krut Publishing. The series aims to extend the profile of South African artists both locally and abroad and to develop an active educational programme and teaching resource archive.
TAXI-008 was funded by the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), Pro Helvetia - Arts Council of Switzerland, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC).
Previous artists published in the TAXI series include Jo Ractliffe, Samson Mudzunga, Jeremy Wafer, Santu Mofokeng, Lien Botha, David Koloane and Noria Mabasa. For further information please contact Siobh�n McCusker at David Krut Publishing on tel: (011) 880 4242 or email: siobhan@davidkrut.com.
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