| Making Theory/Constructing Art: On the Authority of the Avant-Garde Contributor(s): Herwitz, Daniel (Author) |
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ISBN: 0226328910 ISBN-13: 9780226328911 Publisher: University of Chicago Press OUR PRICE: $98.01 Product Type: Hardcover Published: November 1993 Annotation: Artists and critics regularly enlist theory in their creation and assessment of artworks, but few have scrutinized the art theories themselves. Making Theory/Constructing Art: On the Authority of the Avant-Garde is among the first philosophical texts to provide a close encounter with this theoretical tendency in twentieth-century art and aesthetics, exploring the norms, assumptions, historical conditions, and institutions that have framed the development and uses of theory in art. In a series of intricate readings of constructivism, Mondrian, and John Cage, Daniel Herwitz outlines the avant-garde's belief that theory can perfectly prefigure the avant-garde art object and invest it with utopian force. Through similarly insightful treatments of Arthur Danto, Andy Warhol, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Jean Baudrillard, and postmodern art and theory, Herwitz demonstrates how the contemporary art world is heir to the avant-garde's theoretical assumptions and practices. In fact, avant-garde art objects live as art only by partly resisting the master theories of their makers and interpreters. Skillfully resisting the lure of grand theory himself, Herwitz urges the art world to be more self-critical and self-reflective about its uses of theory. Making Theory/Constructing Art is as accessible and entertainingly written as it is philosophically incisive. Since the book is both a philosophical and a cultural encounter with theory in twentieth-century art, it will engage all those who have tried to grapple with the inscrutability of the theoretical art muse. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Art |
| Dewey: 701 |
| LCCN: 92043483 |
| Series: Studies in Communication, Media, and Public Opinion |
| Physical Information: 1.12" H x 6.22" W x 9.16" (1.42 lbs) 370 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Artists and critics regularly enlist theory in the creation and assessment of artworks, but few have scrutinized the art theories themselves. Here, Daniel examines and critiques the norms, assumptions, historical conditions, and institutions that have framed the development and uses of art theory. Spurred by the theoretical claims of Arthur Danto, a leader in the philosophy of the avant-garde, Herwitz reexamines the art and theory of major figures in the avant-garde movement including John Cage, Jean-Fran ois Lyotard, Jean Baudrillard, and Andy Warhol. |