Beautiful Losers: Contemporary Art and Street Culture (D.A.P./ICONOCLA)

Aaron Rose

Quick Take

The greatest cultural accomplishments in history have never been the result of the brainstorms of marketing men, corporate focus groups or any homogenized methods; they have always happened organically. More often than not, these manifestations have been the result of a few like-minded people coming together to create something new and original for no other purpose than a common love of doing it. In the 1990s, a loose-knit group of American artists and creators, many just out of their teens, began their careers in just such a way. Influenced by the popular underground youth subcultures of the day, such as skateboarding, graffiti, street fashion and independent music, artists like Shepard Fairey, Mark Gonzales, Spike Jonze, Margaret Kilgallen, Mike Mills, Barry McGee, Phil Frost, Chris Johanson, Harmony Korine and Ed Templeton began to create art that reflected the lifestyles they led. Many had no formal training and almost no conception of the inner workings of the art world. They learned their crafts through practice, trial and error, and good old-fashioned innovation. Not since the Beat Generation have we seen a group of creative individuals with such a unified aesthetic sense and varied cultural facets. The world of art has been greatly affected by their accomplishments as have the worlds of fashion, music, literature, film, and, ironically, athletics. Beautiful Losers is a retrospective celebration of this spirit, with hundreds of artworks by over two dozen artists, from precursors like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Larry Clark, to more recent adherents Ryan McGinness, KAWS and Geoff McFetridge. Work in all conceivable mediums is included, plus reproductions of reams of ephemera. The accompanying essays are contributed by a half-dozen writers who have championed these beautiful losers from the start. This paperback reprint includes more pages, more images, an exhibition checklist, installation shots from a variety of exhibitions and an interview with Beautiful Losers advocate Agnes B.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Beautiful Losers: Contemporary Art and Street Culture (D.A.P./ICONOCLA)

Introduction

"Beautiful Losers: Contemporary Art and Street Culture" by Aaron Rose is a captivating book that delves into the world of street and gallery art, showcasing the creative accomplishments of a group of American artists in the 1990s and 2000s. This book provides readers with a comprehensive retrospective of the aesthetic and cultural influences that shaped these artists' work, as well as an exploration of the impact they had on various industries, including fashion, music, literature, film, and even sports. With hundreds of artworks by over two dozen artists, this book offers a diverse range of mediums and styles, accompanied by essays from writers who have championed these artists since the beginning.

About Aaron Rose

Aaron Rose, the author of "Beautiful Losers," is an American curator, art director, and writer. He has been instrumental in promoting and showcasing the works of emerging artists, particularly those in the street and skateboarding culture. Rose has curated numerous exhibitions and events, including the influential "Beautiful Losers" exhibition in 2005, which served as the inspiration for this book. With his extensive knowledge and passion for contemporary art, Rose brings a unique perspective to the exploration of this fascinating subculture.

Analysis of Views

A unified aesthetic sense and diverse cultural facets: Readers praise the book for its ability to capture the essence of a group of artists who shared a common aesthetic sense and embraced diverse cultural influences. The book showcases how these artists' lifestyles influenced their art, creating a cohesive and compelling body of work.
Artistic innovation and self-taught learning: Many readers appreciate the book for highlighting the importance of artistic innovation and self-taught learning. The artists featured in "Beautiful Losers" often lacked formal training but found their own way through practice, trial, and error. This aspect resonates with readers who value creativity and the power of personal expression.
Cultural significance and historical context: The book is commended for its exploration of the cultural significance of street and gallery art. Readers appreciate how it provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context that shaped these artists' work, as well as their impact on various industries. This context helps readers understand the broader implications of their creations.
Amazing artworks and visual appeal: The book is widely praised for its stunning artworks, which range from paintings to photographs to sculptures. Readers find the visual appeal of these artworks captivating, with many expressing their admiration for the skill and creativity displayed by the artists.
Engaging essays and insights: The accompanying essays by writers who have supported these artists from the beginning add depth to the book's exploration of street and gallery art. Readers appreciate the insights provided by these essays, which offer a more nuanced understanding of the artists' motivations, influences, and contributions to contemporary art.

Reasons for Recommendation

A comprehensive retrospective: "Beautiful Losers" offers a comprehensive retrospective of street and gallery art from the 1990s and 2000s, providing readers with a wealth of information about the artists, their work, and their impact on various industries. This makes it an essential read for anyone interested in contemporary art or cultural history.
Inspiring stories of self-taught artists: The book's focus on self-taught artists who found their own way through practice and innovation serves as an inspiration to many readers. It encourages them to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions without relying solely on formal education or external validation.
Aesthetic appeal: The stunning artworks featured in "Beautiful Losers" are visually captivating, making it an excellent addition to any coffee table or bookshelf. The visual appeal of these works adds to the overall enjoyment of reading the book.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Limited focus on counter-culture: Some readers feel that the book's emphasis on street culture and underground art may limit its appeal to those who are not familiar with or interested in this particular subculture. They argue that it may not resonate as strongly with those seeking a broader exploration of contemporary art.
Possible commodification concerns: A few readers express concerns about the potential commodification of counter-culture in this book. They argue that some of the featured artists may be capitalizing on their street credibility or embracing commercial opportunities, which could tarnish the authenticity and genuine spirit of their work. However, it is important to note that these concerns are subjective and may not apply to all readers' perspectives.

Conclusion

"Beautiful Losers: Contemporary Art and Street Culture" by Aaron Rose is a captivating book that delves into the world of street and gallery art, showcasing the creative accomplishments of a group of American artists in the 1990s and 2000s. With its comprehensive retrospective, engaging essays, and stunning artworks, this book offers readers an immersive experience into the cultural significance of this subculture. While some readers express concerns about potential commodification or limited appeal to those unfamiliar with street culture, overall "Beautiful Losers" is highly recommended for those interested in contemporary art or seeking inspiration from self-taught artists who found their own way through innovation and passion.