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| Holy Works Andres Serrano |
Art
Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Cynthia Freeland
Chapter 1, Section 4: Kant’s Legacy
Moving along, Freeland leads us into a discussion of
Kant’s influence upon aesthetics and art theory, especially those offered by
future art writers like Clive Bell, Edward Bullough, and Clement Greenberg. The
viewpoints of all three overlapped with Kant’s ideas about aesthetics, but with
a “twist.”
For instance, Bell felt that “Significant Form,”
which is created through a particular combination of lines and colors, evokes
our aesthetic emotions. He shunned the notion that art should address life or
politics.
Bullough felt that you couldn’t experience art
without “psychical distance.” He argued
that sexual or political subjects tend to block aesthetic consciousness. I
guess thinking isn’t allowed.
Greenberg (who advocated for Pollock) celebrated form as the quality through which
a painting or sculpture refers to its medium and to its own conditions of
creation. In other words, don’t
bother looking for content.
So, what is Kant’s legacy? The continued notion that
art must be concerned with quality,
morality, beauty and form. Of course, we know that isn’t the case. Look at
the works of Serrano, Mapplethorpe, and others who express what repulses us.
Their work is “art.”
Next time, Freeland writes in defense of Serrano.
What are your thoughts?
2 comments:
Merriam-Webster wouldn't supply the definition of "phychical distance" unless I signed up for a free trial, so I'm lost but following this discussion.
I've always felt that art can't really be defined--it's a bit like pinning down air.
Hi Hallie, I suppose Bullough might have meant that you can't see art in a literal or meaningful way (content) but rather experience it through the emotions. But, I'm not certain that's it. Love your sense of humor, as always!
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