Today Is Always Yesterday

Reviews / Votes

This is an extraordinary volume. While concentrating on contemporary art in Brazil, and attending to its myriad historical, political, social and aesthetic ramifications, Today is Always Yesterday combines Michael Asbury's characteristic critical, objective acumen with an "insider" view of Brazilian culture. Furthermore, the author presents us with much more than another book on the contemporary scene: he gives an in-depth history of Brazilian art in all of its complexity, from the Portuguese era to the post-Bolsonaro, Lula-Redux period of today. Anyone even marginally interested in the dizzyingly complex nature of Brazilian creativity will be more than pleased with Asbury's panoramic contribution. * Edward J. Sullivan, Helen Gould Shepard Professor in the History of Art, New York University * Taking the colours of the Brazilian flag as the innovative framework for his elegant narrative, Michael Asbury's playful and erudite book is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, history and nationhood in contemporary art in Brazil and globally. * Gilane Tawadros, Director, Whitechapel Gallery * Asbury challenges the cliche of national identity in Brazilian contemporary art by provocatively employing the national colours as metaphors. He provides essential historical context, critically deconstructing the themes and concepts examined within the pages of this compelling book. * Ana Magalhaes, Director, The Museum of Contemporary Art, University of Sao Paulo * One of the strengths of Today is Always Yesterday lies precisely in showing the role that art plays in the formation and historical and cultural construction of a nation. . . . Its publication allows for important gaps in our historiography to be filled. Today is Always Yesterday has much to add to the debate and to the Brazilian art system overall. * Mario Caillaux, Revista VIS: Revista Do Programa De Pos-Graduacao Em Artes Visuais * Today is Always Yesterday links Modernism to today in a compelling exploration of contemporary Brazilian art . . . a unique and insightful perspective. * The Art Newspaper *