Francis Alÿs: Politics of Rehearsal on Sale

The Politics of Rehearsal accompanies the first large-scale American museum exhibit on Francis Alÿs, one of the most acclaimed artists working today. The centerpiece of the book is Alÿs Rehearsal (Ensayo) series, but a number of related earlier works are included. Ensayo 1, 1999-2000 shows a red Volkswagen Beetle attempting to ascend a steep hill in Tijuana: its attempts are synchronized with the sound track of Mexican danzon musicians rehearsing. Ensayo 2, 2005 follows the rehearsal of a dancer practicing a striptease, and Ensayo 3 will be produced by Alÿs specifically for the exhibition. Other works include When Faith Moves Mountains and Song for Lupita, as well as many paintings, photographs and drawings. This significant new publication contains a DVD and an in-depth exploration of Alÿs s oeuvre by Russell Ferguson, organizer of the exhibition, focusing on the theme of rehearsal, which is so characteristic of Alÿs work.