Author Ben Davis will discuss his new book of essays about artists, the economy, and political activism, alongside a panel of the artists whose voices have influenced the text.

Ben will be joined by Jennifer Dalton and William Powhida, organizers of the original "#class" show that helped inspire the book, artist Naeem Mohaiemen, activist and organizer Blithe Riley, and others.

In 9.5 Theses on Art and Class, Ben takes on a broad array of contemporary art’s most persistent debates: How does creative labor fit into the economy? Is art merging with fashion and entertainment? What can we expect from political art? Davis argues that returning class to the center of discussion can play a vital role in tackling the challenges that visual art faces today, including the biggest challenge of all—how to maintain faith in art itself in a dysfunctional world.

Just some of the great reviews for 9.5 Theses:

"Like watching an expert pole-vaulter ply his craft, witnessing this critic reach for first principles in this day and age constitutes its own reward... On 9.5 Theses, the verdict is crystal: This is one helluva pamphlet." —Christian Viveros-Faune, The Village Voice

"...a riveting manifesto..." —New York Magazine

"By reminding artists where they really stand, Davis hopes, in the end, to put them on firmer footing, both politically and creatively." —Dushko Petrovich, BOOKFORUM

"Davis is an intellectually clearheaded critic dishing out some tough truths, often backed up with statistics, to the rarefied 'art world.' . . . The book reframes the production and sale of art in tough terms, which is why the collection’s centerpiece, 9.5 Theses on Art and Class, should be required reading for art professionals. In this first book, Davis proves himself a critic to be reckoned with." —Publishers Weekly

"Davis is an intelletually clear-headed critic dishing out some tough truths, often backed up with statistics, to the rarified 'art world'... The book reframes the production and sale of art in tough terms, which is why the collection's center piece, 9.5 Theses on Art and Class, should be required reading for art professionals. In his first book, Davis proves himself a critic to be reckoned with."

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