Hans Hess: Selected Writings Volume 3 - Art & Ideology

Purchase and listen to a pathbreaking exploration of art's relationship with power and ideology set out in Art and Ideology – the third volume of writings by emigre Marxist art critic Hans Hess. 

Hess's penetrating analysis reveals how 'what now replaces the function of art is advertising ' in our contemporary world, where 'the goods have become the gods'.

It traces the transformation from art's earliest social purposes – like the cave paintings of Altamira and Lascaux, created not as decoration but as 'magic in action' – through to its role in the Counter-Reformation when 'art was reclaimed for religion and became the most powerful weapon of propaganda', and into the 21st century.

Narrated and produced by Rochelle Anne Swanson.

With additional image descriptions read by Natasha Raskin Sharp, highly-prized presenter of Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Flog It!, and a much-loved and respected presenter of late-night music shows for BBC Radio Scotland. Editor's notes and citations read by Adele Allen.

To see our full catalogue, including more writings by Hans Hess, go to manifestopress.coop and follow us on social media.