Art & Language International

"With a remarkable ability to convey complex ideas in an accessible and indeed engaging manner, Robert Bailey displays a rare theoretical sophistication. He strikes a perfect balance between theory and the archive, as the larger theoretical notions assist him in articulating the disclosures of experience, while these disclosures impose upon him the exigency to redesign the mesh of theory itself. It is imperative not to miss just how innovative and important Bailey's contribution is." - Alexander Alberro, author of Conceptual Art and the Politics of Publicity

"Robert Bailey takes us on a search for that ever-elusive postmodern ideal—the space 'between' or dream of an intermedium not accountable to modernism’s twin urges for immediacy and futurity—that gave rise to Art & Language’s rolodexes, indices, 'blurts,' and 'community practices.' In our own moment still smitten with, on the one hand, relational aesthetics, para- or mockstitutions, and social practice art, and, on the other, occupations, assemblies, and the world of 'things,' Bailey's archaeology of that dream of a 'between' still with us after all these years makes for vital foundational reading." - Blake Stimson, author of Citizen Warhol

"This is a substantial contribution to the now ample literature on conceptual art...well written, presenting complex theoretical arguments in a clear and accessible way, and grounded in fact with extensive references to archival material and primary source publications." - Gustavo Grandal Montero, ARLIS/NA Reviews

"[D]ue to Bailey’s extensive archival research and critical rereadings, [this book] is the most comprehensive account of Art & Language’s international context to date."  - Louisa Lee, Burlington Magazine

"Perspicaciously argued and comprehensively researched. . . . One of Bailey’s significant contributions is to bring clarity to the group’s diverse theoretical influences. . . ." - Vid Simoniti, Art History