Modes of comparison for structures of modernity

John Clark. 2011. Asian Modernities: Chinese and Thai Art Compared, 1980-1999, Sydney: Power Publications. 272 pages, ISBN: 9780909952389 (paperback).

John Clark’s most recent publication contributes to a growing body of work that responds to the still perplexing issue of how to expand our understanding of modernity as expressed through art and visual culture. In particular, he attempts to complicate the notion of a modernity that has conventionally been presented as a process originating from the West and then transmitted to other parts of the world, most notably those countries that experienced colonialism.

Download PDF from menu on right to read full review »