Between Dog & Wolf: Essays on Art and Politics

Between Dog & Wolf collects twenty years of David Levi Strauss's critical writings on art, politics, and their intersection in contemporary culture. The essays examine photography, sculpture, propaganda, war imagery, and other visual mediums that shape public consciousness. The book takes its title from a French expression about twilight - "between dog and wolf" - referring to that moment when diminishing light makes it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Strauss applies this metaphor to explore how images can both reveal and obscure truth, particularly in times of social and political upheaval. Each essay functions as both art criticism and cultural analysis, addressing topics from Abu Ghraib prison photographs to the works of sculptor Martin Puryear. The writings span from the early 1980s through the post-9/11 era, providing context for major shifts in how visual media shapes narrative and memory. Through these collected works, Strauss examines enduring questions about power, perception, and the role of images in constructing - or challenging - accepted versions of reality. The essays suggest that understanding visual culture is essential to understanding political power.

Limited reviews exist online for this book, making it difficult to establish a clear consensus among readers. The readers praised: - Writing style that connects art criticism to social/political contexts - Depth of analysis on photography and its role in contemporary culture - Discussions bridging art theory and real-world political impacts - Essays on war photography and image saturation in media Main criticisms: - Dense academic language that can be challenging for general readers - Some essays feel dated in their cultural references - Limited accessibility outside of art theory circles Available Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (4 ratings) Amazon: No ratings/reviews LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (2 ratings) The small number of public reviews and ratings suggests this is primarily an academic text with a specialized audience. Several academic journals reviewed the book, but general reader feedback remains sparse online.

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🔹 David Levi Strauss chose the title "Between Dog & Wolf" from a French expression "entre chien et loup," referring to twilight - when it becomes difficult to distinguish between a dog and a wolf, symbolizing the blurred lines between art and politics. 🔹 The author has served as Chair of the MFA Art Criticism & Writing program at New York's School of Visual Arts and is considered one of America's most important contemporary art critics. 🔹 The essays in the book were written over a 25-year period, examining artists like Leon Golub, Nancy Spero, and Alfredo Jaar who use their work to address political violence and social justice. 🔹 Many of the essays explore photography's role in shaping public opinion about war and conflict, including analysis of images from Abu Ghraib and the Gulf War. 🔹 The book's publisher, Autonomedia, is an independent press known for publishing radical political and cultural works that challenge mainstream perspectives on art and society.