ABSTRACT
This chapter unpacks the book’s methodological framework and explains how it combines postmigrant thought with elements from transcultural studies in art (Monica Juneja, Kobena Mercer) and feminist theory (Marsha Meskimmon, Nira Yuval-Davis). The chapter also examines previous studies in the field of art and postmigration, along with the literature on art in public spaces, and positions this study within these fields. The literature review falls into two parts. The first considers studies in contemporary art and postmigration. As the scholarly literature is still scarce, this chapter provides a survey of important contributions to the development of postmigrant perspectives on contemporary art. The second part considers public art. In contrast to the former, this field abounds with literature. Accordingly, the second part does not seek to map the field but homes in on selected concepts and discussions central to this book. Finally, this chapter turns to conflict theory (Chantal Mouffe, Oliver Marchart) to advance the argument that art grappling with the conditions and conflicts of postmigrant society in a critical, political or even activist way can perhaps best be understood as cultivating forms of conflictual aesthetics.
