Book Review. "Art in Urban Space: Reflections on City Culture in Europe and North-America," edited by Tamás Juhász

Abstract

The concept of space as a social construction shaped by human actions has prompted the spatial turn in social sciences and humanities. Scholars now delve into spatial practices, place-making processes, and spatial representations within different cultural and historical contexts. This recognition has enriched our comprehension of various aspects of our life, including cultural practices, social processes, and historical sources. Centred around spatial perspectives, the anthology Art in Urban Space: Reflections on City Culture in Europe and North-America (2021) stands as a notable contribution to the Collection Károli series. Edited by Tamás Juhász and published by L’Harmattan, the collection of papers offers a broad view of the interaction between artistic endeavours and urban spaces. The volume encapsulates the recognition that space is far from being a passive backdrop, but rather an active and influential force that shapes and is shaped by human activities, artistic or otherwise. Through its eleven essays, it provides a lens into the complex relationship between art, the city, and the multifaceted nature of space. The contributors acknowledge that artistic expression and engagement with urban environments go beyond mere aesthetics. Instead, art becomes a vehicle for social commentary, cultural exploration, and an avenue to challenge existing norms and power dynamics within urban spaces. By exploring the manifold dimensions of space and the representations of space, the articles aptly acknowledge the agency of artists, artworks, and the audience in shaping the urban environment and exerting influence on our lived experience. The authors examine how artists actively engage with the city, responding to its unique characteristics, history, and socio-political factors. In doing so, the papers uncover the ways in which art can foster dialogue, challenge social inequalities, and contribute