Explores the concepts of authorship, artistic originality, skill, craftsmanship and the creative act. This title highlights the vital role that skills from craft and industrial production play in creating some of the most innovative and highly sought-after works of art.



Can an artist claim that an object is a work of art if it has been made for him or her by someone else? If so, who is the ‘author’ of such a work? And just what is the difference between a work of art and a work of craft? New in paperback, the first book to highlight and explore the way artists collaborate with artisans and craftspeople to realise their work. The Art of Not Making tackles explores the concepts of authorship, artistic originality, skill, craftsmanship and the creative act, and highlighting the vital role that skills from craft and industrial production play in creating some of today’s most innovative and highly sought-after works of art. The book analyses hundreds of artworks by the most important international artists, including Chris Burden, Louise Bourgeois, Matthew Barney, Grayson Perry, Mona Hatoum, Ai Weiwei, Daniel Buren, Carsten Höller, Mark Wallinger, Kiki Smith, Fred Wilson, Pae White, Tony Cragg, Roni Horn, Liam Gillick, Sherrie Levine, Ugo Rondionone, Subodh Gupta, Kara Walker and Maurizio Cattelan. ‘Enjoyable … Petry clearly knows his stuff’- Art Quarterly ‘Timely...Petry has identified a significant art world trend’ - The Art Newspaper ‘Glorious’ - Harper's Bazaar ‘A handsome volume...provides pause for thought, and should be commended for drawing attention to the ideas of collaboration’ - Ceramic Review ‘Refreshingly fun to read and look at’ - State of Art ‘The arguments presented in this glossy erudite art book are bold, intriguing ... beautiful’ - GT (Gay Times)