The power of the avant-garde

"In The Power of the Avant-Garde, contemporary artists from different art disciplines enter into dialogue with their colleagues from the historical avant-garde movement. Luc Tuymans talks about 'Le Grand Cheval' of Raymond Duchamp-Villon; Marlène Dumas describes her passion for Edvard Munch; John Baldessari discusses the genius Marcel Broodthaers. This book makes surprising links, shedding new light on the power and influence of art before, during and after World War I"--Provided by publisher.

"Avant-garde is a concept that stems from both warfare and art. Avant-garde flourished in a society in full transition. Artists anticipate social revolutions. In visual art the heyday of the avant-garde is situated between 1895 and 1920, with the First World War as an international fault line. But how relevant is this pioneering art today? Around 15 leading contemporary artists enter into dialogue with colleagues from the historical avant-garde, from Ensor and Munch to the new movements just after the war. Today's artists often feel a strong affinity with specific avant-garde works of art. Their choice and the dialogue with their own work forces us to look at these key works from modern art in a different light. The power of the avant-garde seems to have plenty more in reserve"--Bozar website.