An Anarchitectural Body of Work: Suzanne Harris and the Downtown New York Artists’ Community in the 1970s

Suzanne Harris was a key figure in the 1970s downtown New York City art scene, known for her avant-garde projects and contributions to the Heresies editorial collective. Her diverse body of work, which spanned sculpture, dance, and installation, challenged traditional art categories and spaces. Friederike Schäfer's book explores Harris's site-specific, ephemeral installations, drawing on post-Marxist feminist theory to highlight her transcending of traditional art boundaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

Suzanne Harris, a multifaceted artist, dancer, and educator, emerged as a prominent figure in the vibrant downtown New York City art scene during the 1970s. Her avant-garde approach and boundary-pushing practice played a pivotal role in numerous groundbreaking projects, including the Anarchitecture group, 112 Greene Street, FOOD, and the Natural History of the American Dancer. Harris also actively contributed to the Heresies editorial collective. However, despite her significant contributions, her own artistic output declined.

In her comprehensive reconstruction of Harris's diverse and fragmented body of work, Friederike Schäfer challenges the conventional boundaries of art categories, practices, spaces, and the concept of space itself. Drawing upon post-Marxist feminist theory, the author delves into how Harris transcended the realms of sculpture and dance to create site-specific, ephemeral installations that defy categorization.

This remarkable achievement was recognized in 2021 when Harris received the Terra Foundation for American Art International Publication Grant. Her book, titled "Look Inside: Suzanne Harris and the Transcendence of Sculpture and Dance," offers a profound exploration of Harris's artistic journey and her groundbreaking contributions to the field of contemporary art.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Schäfer sheds light on Harris's artistic process, exploring how she seamlessly integrated sculpture and dance to create immersive and transformative experiences for viewers. The author also examines the social and cultural contexts that shaped Harris's work, highlighting her role as a feminist artist who challenged traditional gender roles and hierarchies.

"Look Inside" is a captivating and insightful journey into the world of Suzanne Harris, a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of art. It serves as a testament to her enduring legacy and the profound impact she has had on the artistic landscape. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student of art history, or simply someone interested in exploring the boundaries of creativity, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 934g
Dimension: 169 x 240 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110738681