14-18 NOW: Contemporary arts commissions for the First World War Centenary

Description

14-18 NOW: WW1 Centenary Art Commissions includes a detailed look at the extensive 14-18 NOW programme, which was established to mark the centenary of the First World War. Spread over five years, this programme of extraordinary arts experiences linking people to WW1 included painting, photography, sculpture, poetry, theatre, dance, installation, film and other performance pieces. It is one of the largest public art commissions ever, and has led to the creation of over 325 artworks, which have been seen by more than 30 million people. Featured artists include Gillian Wearing, Rachel Whiteread, Jeremy Deller, Peter Jackson and Danny Boyle. The book includes essays by Margaret MacMillan, David, Olusoga, William Kentridge and Rachel Whiteread. Perceptions of the war have been shaped by the artists of the time, including poets, painters, photographers and film-makers - many of whom served and who reflected on the war and its effects. One hundred years later, today's artists are opening up new perspectives on the present as well as the past. This illustrated hardback is a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of the arts to bring the stories of the First World War to life.

Jenny Waldman is Director of the 14-18 NOW arts programme and was previously the Creative Producer of the London 2012 Festival, the finale of the Cultural Olympiad for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She has co-programmed a large-scale performing arts season for Tate Modern and Tate Britain and was Director of Arts Centre Programmes at the Southbank Centre from 1990 to 1995. She has worked with the National Theatre, Young Vic, Punchdrunk, Roundhouse, Arts Council England and more. www.1418now.org.uk