Martin Patrick explores the ways in which contemporary artists across media continue to reinvent art that straddles both public and private spheres. Examining the impact of various art movements on notions of performance, authorship, and identity, Across the Art/Life Divide argues that the most defining feature of contemporary art is the ongoing interest of artists in the problematic relationship between art and life. Looking at under-examined forms, such as stand-up comedy and sketch shows, alongside more traditional artistic media, he situates the work of a wide range of contemporary artists to ask: To what extent are artists presenting themselves? And does the portrayal of the “self” in art necessarily constitute authenticity? By dissecting the meta-conditions and contexts surrounding the production of art, Across the Art/Life Divide examines how ordinary, everyday life is transformed into art.
'The driving concern of the author, as he admits, is to look backward, grasp forward and reflect the present. The book examines performativity, new approaches in writing, socially engaged art and curatorial practices and their relations to the idea of ‘life’. Martin Patrick identifies some crucial problems and ideas that are important for contemporary visual art, shows a whole spectrum of different approaches, and opens up a discussion about the directions that art will move in.'