Trickster strategies in the artists and curatorial practice

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Trickster Strategies in the Artists’ and Curatorial Practice features 34 studies developed through collaboration between the Institute of Art History of the University of Wrocław and the Polish Institute of World Art Studies. The concept of the trickster—whether as a rascal, swindler, or hooligan—holds significant value in the art world, especially in revealing power dynamics in post-communist and post-colonial contexts. This book does not aim to reconstruct the entire trickster discourse from archetypal cultural texts and figures like Egyptian Seth or Greek Hermes, nor does it delve deeply into the interpretations of scholars such as Claude Levi-Strauss or Sigmund Freud. Instead, it explores how ongoing historical changes impact art and its narratives, examining the role of the trickster in these contexts, including outdoor activism and curatorial performances. Additionally, it reflects on the self-awareness of art historians and how new narratives can illuminate previously overlooked aspects, particularly regarding gender. The trickster does not provide a universal solution to academic challenges but effectively exposes hypocrisy and engages in contemporary debates, highlighting the complexities of the systems at play and the prejudices within them.