Facing Value

‘We know what things cost but have no idea what they are worth’, Tony Judt, quoting Oscar Wilde. Value as a non-economic notion is one of the hardest concepts to tackle. Although immaterial, value is one of the core ideas that shape society, influence hearts and minds, but it defies easy definition. Reformulating value as a constituting factor in an open and caring society requires a ‘tilting vision’, which can be found especially among artists. In nine alternative rules of value creation, different approaches are put forward that may inspire to regain personal power, share creativity, face uncertainty, liberate time, allow variety, and support a more empathic and just society. By presenting an anthology of texts by architects, artists, philosophers, scientists, historians and economists, many image essays and three artist's contributions this book aims to rethink the scope and language of the current value system.

Editors: Maaike Lauwaert, Francien van Westrenen
444 p, 24 x 17 cm, English
Published 2017, by Valiz with Stroom den Haag
ISBN 9789492095008