Since 2008, Gander has reinterpreted Degas' sculpture Petite Danseuse de Quatorze Ans (1880-1881) and placed it in contemporary contexts. His sculptures free the 14-year-old dancer from her pedestal and show her in different scenarios. The book and the exhibition at Museum Beelden aan Zee (The Hague NL) present Gander's series of 22 ballerinas, along with Degas' famous work.

Brigitte Bloksma, director of Beelden aan Zee, stressed that the relationship between Degas' original work and Gander's approach offers a fascinating reflection on the perception of the ballerina and the boundaries between art and everyday life. It shows how artists treat themes of movement, youth and vulnerability through the era.

The book includes an introduction by Bloksma, an interview with Gander by Lydia Figes, and a chapter by Sandra Kisters on Degas' work in contemporary sculpture.

The artist: The British artist Ryan Gander is a sculptor, painter, designer, typographer, performer, author and painter. He has curated various exhibitions and lectured at international art institutions and universities, made television programmes for the BBC on art and wrote extensively on contemporary art. He refutes the designation “conceptual artist”. He prefers to be called an “amateur philosopher”.
Authors: Brigitte Bloksma is director of Museum Beelden aan Zee. Lydia Rachel Figes is a writer specialising in the visual arts, women's history, feminism, TV and film. Sandra Kisters is Director of Collections and Research, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam.