In this stunning new collection of texts on visual art, Peter Wollen explores an extraordinary range of topics, from an analysis of “Global Conceptualism” to a mind-bending study of “Magritte and the Bowler Hat”, from Gerhard Richter to provocative texts on the work of artists such as Victor Burgin, Frida Kahlo, and Derek Jarman. Other essays deal with the relationships that have developed between visual art and other media, including one on the convergence of art and fashion, and another that explores the role of art and film in creating the American myth of the West. The collection also includes a study of Situationist attitudes to art and architecture, reflections on the relation between art and technology, and an essay on Museums and Rubbish Theory.

Government by appearances -- Global conceptualism and North American -- Conceptual art -- Tanks -- The question of technology -- Museums and rubbish theory -- October 18, 1977 -- Kitsch -- Salome -- Blue -- Magritte and the bowler hat -- Mappings : situationists and/or conceptualists -- Art and fashion : friends or enemies? -- The myth of the west -- The situationists and architecture -- Barthes, Hitchcock, Burgin -- Fridamania.