Contemporary Spanish Culture

This accessible introduction to the exciting field of contemporary Spanish visual culture is the first of its kind. It combines cultural context with close readings of particular works. Going beyond the field of cinema, in which Spain is an acknowledged leader, Smith examines new developments in television, where original and innovative series drama has recently blossomed. He also explores Spanish fashion, where 'classic' design is married to high tech production and distribution. Two aspects of Spanish visual art are considered: the career of Miquel Barceló, global artist and pure painter, and Basque conceptual art which, through photography and installation, puts a new spin on international questions of gender and sexuality. Finally, Contemporary Spanish Culture examines Catalan independent cinema and the most recent work of Spain's best known director, Pedro Almodóvar, who has resurrected a genre long considered dead: the art movie. This innovative new book provides an ideal introduction for undergraduates and will be essential reading for those working in Hispanic studies, cultural studies, and film.

List of Illustrations. Acknowledgements. Introduction: Cultures of Distinction. Chapter 1: Quality TV?: the periodistas notebook. Chapter 2: Classic Fashion?: the Adolfo Domínguez sample book. Chapter 3: Pure Painting?: The Miguel Barceló sketch book. Chapter 4: Queer Conceptualism?: Basque artists on the borders. Chapter 5: Catalan Independence?: Ventura Pons's niche cinema. Chapter 6: Resurrecting the Art Movie?: Aldomodóvar's blue period. Index