In “Make Art or Die Trying,” Stuart Semple—an artist, entrepreneur, and activist—delivers a powerful manifesto on the transformative potential of art. Semple passionately argues that art is for everyone and that everyone harbours an inner creativity capable of improving the world. He believes that art can change people, places, attitudes, and communities in ways that words cannot.
This book is both informative and inspiring. It aims to empower readers to connect with significant art concepts while embracing their creative potential. Semple simplifies influential art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as happenings, performance art, Bauhaus, and Fluxus, making these complex ideas accessible and inviting.
“Make Art or Die Trying” offers clear, jargon-free explanations of transformative art concepts and showcases examples of work by innovative artists. It includes DIY ideas and exercises encouraging readers to explore the concepts and develop unique conversations with the world. QR codes link to exclusive videos by Semple, providing deeper insights into each topic.
Semple’s engaging and accessible writing style, practical exercises, and multimedia elements make this book a unique and valuable guide for anyone looking to harness the power of art to create change. “Make Art or Die Trying” is a must-read for aspiring artists, creative enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding how art can catalyze personal and societal transformation.
Semple shares his hard-earned lessons from 25 years of experience, encouraging readers to steal his ideas and make their mark without nearly dying. He advises readers to quit art school or never go in the first place, as he reveals the most significant ideas in contemporary art and provides a behind-the-scenes look at some of his best-known works. Ultimately, he aims to create art with his readers using everything learned from the book, emphasizing that the rest is up to them. Semple’s final message is clear: “Don’t blow it! The world needs your voice.”