El. knyga: Contested Image: Defining Philadelphia for the Twenty-First Century

Contested Image is a powerful description of how art permeates the social and cultural fabric of a city. From an important masterpiece to an iconic institution to a popular attraction, each case is a symbol of our citys identity and soul. Holzman is to be commended for her deep understanding of the objects and institutions that have come to symbolize Philadelphia. Her work sits beautifully at the intersection of the public, private, social, civic, and aesthetic. This book is for all of us who love this city in all its complexities, quirks, and charm.-Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia

Juxtaposing what seem at first glance to be three very different case studies that happen to occur in Philadelphia, Contested Image weaves a compelling history that links place, patrimony, and pop culture and ultimately questions what it means for artwork to become public. By including the voices of not only the citys cultural elite but also many people often left out of art world dialogues-the working class, advocates for the homeless-Holzmans meticulously researched and engaging narrative stresses the importance of debate in creating public meaning, memory, and value and in so doing reveals a nuanced and multivalent identity for the City of Brotherly Love.-A. Joan Saab, Susan B. Anthony Professor of Art History and Visual and Cultural Studies and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, University of Rochester