Privatising Culture: Corporate Art Intervention Since the 1980s Hardcover - 2002

Media reviews

“... a meticulous account of the dominance of capital itself over the human spirit. The patrons of postmodernity are not white patriarchs of the haute bourgeoisie, aiming to bolster their privilege by imposing timeless, conservative verities on the masses. Instead, they transmit their values by sponsoring art which is disorienting, shocking, rebellious and cool. If anyone still wants to criticize the morality of the marketplace, they must also develop a critique of this commercial aesthetic. Chin-tao Wu's book is an excellent place to start.”—Times Literary Supplement

“A book which will long be of use to anyone who wants to understand the genetic character of contemporary culture. It presents an analysis which is methodical, detailed and clear. As a consequence, it is of great critical power.”—Michael Baldwin and Mel Ramsden, Art & Language

“A profoundly original and extremely important contribution to the study of corporate interests as they seek to benefit from and reshape the art world.”—Carol Duncan, Professor of Art History, Ramapo College of New Jersey

“A superbly researched and invigorating study.”—Library Journal

“Sobering and incisive ... Wu convincingly tells an ugly story of seduction and betrayal, one which anyone who cares about the future of art needs to hear.”—Publishers Weekly