Explore the volatile and contentious history of art that challenges societal norms in Depraved: The Story of Dangerous Art. Philosopher of art Daisy Dixon guides readers through provocative works, examining what makes art immoral, why these troubling creations hold power, and how we should engage with them in an era where artistic boundaries are constantly tested.

This book tackles the contemporary relevance of 'dangerous art,' from artists being 'cancelled' to the toppling of public statues, tracing how humans have historically used art to process the less innocent aspects of existence. Dixon offers a provocative new history spanning prehistoric sculpture to extreme metal music and videogames.

Key Insights

• Examines the relationship between institutional violence, curatorial practice, and artistic freedom.
• Traces contentious works across diverse periods and genres, from Renaissance paintings to modern media.
• Argues for confronting disturbing creations head-on to understand and tame their potential toxic effects.
• Analyzes the threat that may lie within our own judgments regarding censored or condemned art.

Specifications

• Author: Daisy Dixon
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: Main
• Language: English
• Print Length: 304 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication Date: June 18, 2026
• ISBN-10: 057138322X
• ISBN-13: 978-0571383221
• Dimensions: 135mm x 216mm x 14mm (Approx. 5.31 x 8.50 x 0.55 inches)
• Weight: 442 g

Depraved provides an essential, lucid, and engaging history for anyone interested in the difficult intersections of aesthetics, morality, and cultural confrontation.