Ethics And the Visual Arts

The dark side of the arts is explored in this timely volume, sure to spark discussion and debate. An anthology of 19 diverse essays by distinguished authors—including Eric Fischl, Suzanne Boettger, Stephen Weil, Richard Serra, and others—covers a broad range of urgent topics facing today’s artists, policy makers, art lawyers, galleries, museum professionals, and many others.

Readers will find expert insights to matters such as preserving Iraqi heritage in the aftermath of the US invasion; the role of new media; art and censorship; the impact of 9/11 on artists; authenticity and forgeries; cultural globalization; fair use; how tax laws encourage donations of art to museums; where people buy art, from online sources to art galleries and auction houses; how art critics function and their differing ethical codes; and much more.

This book is a must for anyone interested in the humanities, especially those who exhibit, sell, own, or collect art.