33 Artists in 3 Acts - Softcover

SARAH THORNTON is the author of the international hit Seven Days in the Art World [Granta, 2008]. She has been the chief writer on contemporary art for the Economist and a contributor to publications such as the Guardian, The Art Newspaper and the New Yorker. She has a BA in Art History and a PhD in Sociology. She lives in London.

“Another art world page turner.”
- Globe and Mail

“A masterful picture of 33 artists, keenly bringing details of their lives to the surface with a skilled hand...With effortless sophistication, Thornton takes readers on a journey across the globe and into the homes and minds of contemporary artists. In the process, she banishes cynicism about modern art, revealing it to be a volatile, healthy enterprise still deeply engaged with the world.”
- Publishers Weekly, Starred review

“Will startle even art-world insiders.”
- San Francisco Chronicle

“[T]he Jane Goodall of the art world”
- Washington Post

“How can one be a real artist in the real world? Thornton sets off to find out, meeting and debating with many of the most important artists around the globe. Credibility, integrity, legitimacy, recognition and truth in art are all tackled here. While the basis of the book is contemporary art, the themes are of universal interest.”
- The Bookseller

“Engaging and ingenious.”
- The New Statesman

“A vivid and entertaining read...Thornton meets some interesting artists and her direction can be playful. Her interviews with Andrea Fraser stand out, as do all her meetings with Ai Weiwei.”
- The Guardian

“Thornton nails some wonderful portraits of the people that, well, do wonderful portraits. These characters are no longer creators of icons but icons themselves and Thornton is in the front pew―but taking notes, not praying at all.”
- Monocle

“Inspiring―as unique as each of the artists featured.”
- Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times

“A readable, approachable introduction to the rock stars of [contemporary art] and their work.”
- Kevin O’Kelly, Christian Science Monitor