This book explores contemporary art's engagement with craft as both method and material, challenging the historical dichotomy between conceptual art and traditional craft. It features thirteen artists whose work with textiles, clay, wood, and ceramics often involves an exploration of the production process itself. The volume includes classic texts alongside new writing on the featured artists, examining how contemporary practices utilize materials, techniques, and historical references to address themes of consumption, production, and democracy.

The book serves as a catalog for the 'New Materialism' exhibition, highlighting contemporary artists who bridge the gap between conceptual art and craft. It presents a timely examination of how artists are re-engaging with traditional materials and techniques to comment on modern societal issues. The inclusion of both historical and new texts provides a comprehensive perspective on the evolving relationship between art, craft, and material culture. This collection is likely to appeal to those interested in contemporary art practices, material studies, and the critique of production and consumption.