A review by anathereader8
Poor Artists by Zarina Muhammad, The White Pube, Gabrielle de la Puente

challenging emotional funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

 If you are a fan of contemporary art, you must read Poor Artists by Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad, the artistic duo better known as The White Pube. 

It’s a brilliant and rare blend of fiction and non-fiction, where the two seamlessly intertwine, leaving you unsure of what is based on real interviews and experiences, and what is purely fictitious. I enjoyed this dynamic balance immensely. 

The story follows Quest Talukdar, who, despite her family’s expectations, pursues a career in art and embarks on a true quest to become a renowned artist. (I’m sure her name was chosen intentionally.) We witness her highs and lows, discoveries, relationships, and—most importantly—the philosophy she embeds into her art, as well as what others perceive in her and other people’s work. 

As someone who was once immersed in the world of contemporary art, I found myself revisiting many instances raised in the book and reflecting deeply on various theoretical topics. However, for those unfamiliar with the art world, the book might be a bit challenging to navigate due to the theoretical discussions it explores. 

The authors delve into questions such as what defines an artist, what constitutes artwork, and how art objects are valued and purchased. Most crucially, they examine the structure of the art business and its inherent challenges. I found their insights courageous and perceptive, and I began to wonder whether this novel has had any influence on Gabrielle and Zarina’s artistic careers. Not everyone dares to speak out about the issues within the art industry. 

The book also stirred a wave of nostalgia for the art world, and I was reluctant to reach the end—the emotions hit me hard (though the art world is far from perfect, as the main character in Poor Artists clearly demonstrates). I know I’ll be re-reading this novel again. 

Thank you to Prestel and NetGalley for trusting with an advanced copy of Poor Artists.