Signs of the Apocalypse / Rapture

Signs of the Apocalypse / Rapture is a curatorial survey of a pivotal moment in contemporary artistic theory and practice. This timely volume features a comprehensive section of writings and essays on the notion of end times—including interviews from a special episode of National Public Radio’s Worldview devoted to the topic; a gallery of diverse and engaging visual imagery (with contributions from over sixty artists, including such well-respected contemporary figures as Bill Viola, Julie Mehretu, Ed Ruscha, Richard Misrach, Fred Tomaselli, Nina Bovasso, and others, each of whom contributes a single image featured on a two-page spread) and two audio CDs—featuring eighteen sound artists, including Sunn0))), Om, Lichens, and Sonic Youth—with accompanying liner notes and an introduction from the editors. Cleverly expanding on the duality of the title’s possibilities—hopeful beacons for the future or the indication that things are amiss—the book offers a provocative take on the contemporary trend towards apocalyptic and rapturous art, thought, and sound. A collector’s item for anyone drawn to the hybridized world of visual and critical culture, Signs of the Apocalypse or Rapture is a cutting-edge look at art in practice.