Talk Art: Everything You Wanted to Know About Contemporary Art but Were Afraid to Ask

Podcasters Tovey and Diament bring their show to print in this lively take on contemporary art and its impact on society. Parsing something as broad and subjective as “art” is no easy task, and Tovey and Diament do it without pretension, guided by the belief “that art is for everyone.” In that spirit, they discuss a range of subjects, from performance art to public art to photography, while also examining the political and social messages that go hand in hand with them—after all, they note, art reflects society (good and bad), and “people want to hear some personal stories, other voices.” To this end, they highlight artists such as Amoako Boafo, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Stanley Whitney, whose stunning works celebrate life with emotion and intensity. Emphasis is also given to “outsider art” (which is made “outside the traditional art world conversation”) and the often-overlooked sound art. While the scope of the authors’ knowledge is impressive, the book’s standout trait is its successful effort to convince readers that art is a vital component of daily life. Heartfelt and informative, this serves as the perfect springboard for those curious about the wide and varied world of art. Agent: Paul Stevens, Independent Talent. (May)