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Sonia Boyce, Talking Presence, 1987. Mixed media on colour photograph. © Sonia Boyce. All rights reserved, DACS/Artimage, 2020.

The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon

Global Perspectives on Contemporary Art and Difference

Gilane Tawadros

The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon is a collection of essays on contemporary art which proposes different perspectives to the ones which continue to dominate the fields of contemporary art and art history. This viewpoint draws unapologetically on Tawadros’ formation in the shadow of the colonial and postcolonial, hinged between the two as Stuart Hall would say; in my case, between post-independence Egypt and post-war Britain. Observing the world through bifocal lenses has nurtured a double consciousness or double vision; a way of seeing the world from here and there at one and the same time. This bifurcated vision is one shared with many artists, writers and intellectuals, many of whom have sought to interrupt and reorientate cultural discourse by introducing ideas, experiences and approaches unfamiliar to the mainstream.

“Amongst pioneering rethink of the art history-culture status quo, Gilane's writings illuminate the struggle to forge conceptual tackle for today's diverse art world and cultural difference – critical voicing that emerges less from theorising than from “thinking through art practices”.”

– Sarat Maharaj, Professor of Visual Arts and Knowledge Systems, Malmö Art Academy, Lund University, Sweden

“Based on the author's profound knowledge of the global contemporary art scene … this book provides a new art historical narrative, one that is more global, more inclusive and nuanced … A must read for students of contemporary art and visual culture, race, and the postcolonial body.” 

–  Salah M Hassan, Goldwin Smith Professor, Cornell University, USA

“Richly illustrated, Gilane Tawadros' beautifully observed book is a timely and prescient account of how representation remains a pivotal question for artists and society at large. Peppered with many delightful intercultural and intertextual references, The Sphinx Contemplating Napoleon is a must read in our de-colonising times.”

– Sonia Boyce, artist and Professor of Black Art and Design, University of the Arts London, UK

"Observing the world through bifocal lenses has nurtured a double consciousness or double vision; a way of seeing the world from here and there at one and the same time.” - Gilane Tawadros