Beer, Art and Philosophy

by Tom Marioni

Cultural writing. Art. Philosophy. "If you are stumped by contemporary art, have wondered why contemporary artists do the things they do, make the things they make, and think the way they think, this book is for you. Tom Marioni has created a book that is easy to read, fun, and engaging. In describing his own art and thinking process, Marioni - with his dry, quiet sense of humor - demystifies contemporary art without being academic or the Picassoian road, which focuses on the painterly tradition, and the Duchampian road, which encompasses a more catholic view of what can be a fit subject for art inquiry. Marioni shows why the Duchampian road offers more riches for many artists, including himself. By incorporating the social and leisure aspects of real life into his art, and by rejecting the dominant cultural work ethic, Tom Marioni amalgamates art and life to create a sophisticated and unique philosophy"--Chris Burden.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

223 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2003

Reviews

[Alicia]

The title says it all, no?

[Angie]

It's like you're in conversation with him, but he's the only one talking. ;) Marioni had the beer drinking exhibit and spoke at the museum I worked at in 2018, which made me curious about him. Maybe I liked this memoir more than other people might because of that experience.

[Kathy]

Interesting food for thought.

[Ginger]

Bay area conceptual artist's memoir. Not the best writer, but his artwork is interesting, ground-breaking even (for the time). I'm not familiar with 60's Bay Area conceptual art history, so that was interesting. Worth the read (only takes a few hours).

[Kaylan]

Written conversationally. Many funny anecdotes and insight into the development of west-coast art in the 60's and 70's, especially Fluxus.

[Richard]

Insight into conceptual art. A spiritual journey for me!

[Jeffrey]

great book