posted June 7, 2007 10:38 AM PDT

A History of Underground Art

So I had this idea on the way up to Detroit. I had just finished a zine that some friends of mine did and it inspired me to do my own.

Many of you are aware of my grandiose ideas that end up only fractionally completed. Exercises in ambition, lacking knowledge and motivation.

So here is my new one and I need some help.

I decided to make a free zine about the history of underground/subversive/political/public art. Going as far back as I can. I know there has to have always been experimental figures throughout all of history. For every Leonardo there has to be thousands of...well...me's. I know the popular works from the French Revolution, but I want to go back further.

Who was criticizing the ancient Greeks and Romans? Who was bombing on the aquaducts?

I am starting from nothing. I know nothing. I am beginning my research now. This is a subject that completely fascinates me. It feels like the thing I am supposed to do. A mission.

Basically it will be comprised of articles/essays on subjects. Interviews on a certain subject, possibly with my old art history profs. But also photos of current underground art. And articles by/on those artists. Not just limited to visual art but writing and some music.

I am going to try to stay away from the traditional photocopy style of zines and use my mimeograph and other print machines instead. Even try to do nice color photos on cards. Maybe post cards that are fixed to the page but able to be removed and kept or used again.


First off I need book suggestions. So far I am looking at books:
The French Revolution
Art in Europe 1700-1830
Art in an Age of Counterrevolution (1815-1848) (A Social History of Modern Art)
Picturing Iran: Art, Society and Revolution
Art and Revolution in Latin America, 1910-1990
Dialogues in Public Art
But Is It Art?: The Spirit of Art As Activism
The Subversive Imagination: The Artist, Society and Social Responsibility
Stencil Graffiti (Street Graphics / Street Art)


All help is needed.

last updated June 7, 2007 10:40 AM PDT