Sports and athletics have been represented in a multitude of ways throughout art history. But unlike in literature or film, visual art has been notorious for providing harsh critical commentary on sports and its relationship to our culture as a whole. Underneath the glory and fame associated with athletic merit, there are underlying issues relating to race, class, and exploitation that artists often discuss in their works.
Boxing has always had a rich and colorful history, both in its showy, prizefight aesthetics and outlandish characters. Dazzling and disturbing, boxing has become a force of its own in the art world. A new book from Damiani and Paul Kasmin Gallery, Boxed: A Visual History and the Art of Boxing, captures some of the best works in art history on the glory of boxing. We chose pieces from the new release along with other famous works for our list of The Best Examples of Boxing in Art.
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