As the twenty-first century unfolds, notions of our cultural past and how our history has influenced our present shift almost daily. Within this, accepted artistic trajectories are being questioned and new connections made. In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking publication, experts in their field address specific aspects of British art of the twentieth century. Presenting new perspectives on established narratives, subjects range from British Surrealism and the rise of corporate and private patronage, to nationality and British identity. Complemented by a range of striking images, this publication succeeds in showing the strength of the British artistic tradition while also encouraging the reader to rethink and explore the existing narrative.

Art has always declared its dissatisfaction against the status quo. Throughout history artists have used their art to criticise and protest against a range of injustices and inequalities. Their art is an act of defiance, but more importantly it has given a voice to the marginalised. This short but powerful book showcases the work of a range of artists from the last eighty years who have challenged traditional boundaries, spoken up for the powerless and against those who seek to deny people their human rights. Exploring deeply political and critical art which uses irony, satire, subversion and provocation, it features responses to war, violence, oppression, gender and racial inequalities, the AIDS epidemic, LGBTQ+ rights, the Black Lives Matter movement and the climate crisis, in a variety of media. A Brief History of Protest Art reveals the important role of art in confronting political and social issues, and how it can help to change attitudes to create a better future.