Introduction: An interdisciplinary approach to art and sovereignty

Abstract

The evocative power and dynamic range of art resonate with the operations of sovereignty. Art’s objects, mediums, and styles are deeply involved with the construction of political communities, just as notions of sovereignty-especially conceptual and institutional manifestations of its modern forms-draw upon artistic representation and performance. Not only do artists and artworks make claims to sovereignty for the sake of multiple communities, but art has long been part and parcel of sovereign practices in their many implications and aspirations. By examining issues related to art and sovereignty in a cohesive manner, we propose a common analytical and theoretical ground for a new field of interdisciplinary research. The dialogue among disciplinary perspectives-that to date have been unconnected or disparate-reveals that artistic and political spheres are variously linked, overlapping, and co-evolving. While not aiming to demonstrate a causal relationship between art and sovereignty, we examine ways in which notions about art are placed in a productive tension with the meanings and practices of sovereignty and vice versa.