Morgan Falconer, WW Norton & Co, (288p) ISBN: 9781324051428. Art Writing, NetGalley read 06/02/25, Electronic Format ★★★★☆

How to be Avant-Garde

I was drawn to this as a lover of the Avant-Garde and finding new perspectives and views on it is fascinating.

In this book Morgan Falconer starts from a position of extreme disillusionment of the current art world due to the proliferation of ‘stuff’ especially at the latest art market he has just attended.

Moving from this feeling Morgan takes a look at some avant-garde movements and their relationship to the idea of art in the 20th century, and to what extent they wanted to do away with the idea of ‘high’ art.

I really enjoyed the narrative that Morgan took through this even though there was very little new information imparted, it was how it was all woven together with the idea of revulsion of the ‘art market’ / ‘art world’ and the desire of the avant-garde’s and Morgan to see something else in the place of the commodification of art.

What I hadn’t realised as clearly as I did after reading this is how a lot of the early avant-garde movements had architecture as a core influence, as well as passionately enthused individuals with a vision.

I especially enjoyed Morgan’s exploration into various art forms and styles, which really developed the narrative.

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.