In this philosophical lecture I discuss how and why the art of today is not a real art and how there are no standards anymore at all. I chose to give this lecture because I feel that if we understand why art today is not a real art, we will be able to change it and our conceptions for the future. This paper is an elaboration of the lecture and discusses how the heroic artists in Modernism were mistakenly taken as the examples and leaders for creating that which is seen as art in and after the post-modern era today.
Table of Contents
- The Development of art through time (briefly)
- When and why it went wrong: The excellence didn't die out... instead it was kicked out
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this lecture is to examine the state of contemporary art and argue that it lacks the standards and principles that defined "real art" in previous eras. The lecture explores the historical development of art, tracing shifts in artistic values and practices to understand the current situation.
- The historical evolution of artistic standards and ideals.
- The role of beauty, morality, and the "good" in art.
- The impact of movements like Dadaism and conceptual art on contemporary artistic practice.
- The critique of postmodern art's lack of standards and its connection to consumerism.
- The call for a return to traditional artistic principles.
Chapter Summaries
The Development of art through time (briefly): This section provides a concise overview of the historical development of art, highlighting the importance of beauty, order, symmetry, and the connection between art and morality from ancient Greece through the 18th century. It emphasizes the consistent striving for excellence and the link between artistic creation and the pursuit of the "good." The discussion traces the evolution of aesthetic thought, showcasing how the appreciation of art was tied to its imitation of nature and the viewer's refined sensibility. The Romantic period's elevation of nature to a religious level is also noted, emphasizing the shift towards passive contemplation of art within specific hierarchical settings. The importance of maintaining a critical viewing distance in classical museum settings to enhance the aesthetic experience is also stressed.
When and why it went wrong: The excellence didn't die out... instead it was kicked out: This section analyzes the shift away from traditional artistic standards in the 20th century. It highlights the role of artists like Duchamp and movements such as Dadaism in challenging conventional definitions of art. The text contrasts the original intent and historical context of Dadaism with its misinterpretation in the postmodern era. The lecture argues that postmodern art, often "filtered through the lens of social justice," lacks historical grounding and is linked to consumerist culture. It criticizes the postmodern approach to art as lacking a deep engagement with historical artistic methods and principles. The lecture concludes by emphasizing the need for a careful consideration of historical influences and a more rigorous approach to the study of art history. It suggests that the postmodern approach to art is a misappropriation of past movements, devoid of its own solid foundation.
Keywords
Art history, aesthetics, beauty, morality, the good, Dadaism, postmodernism, conceptual art, artistic standards, consumerism, classical art, modernism, historical method.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Critical Analysis of Contemporary Art
What is the main argument of this text?
The text argues that contemporary art lacks the standards and principles that defined "real art" in previous eras. It traces the historical development of art to show how shifts in artistic values and practices led to the current situation, ultimately advocating for a return to traditional artistic principles.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the historical evolution of artistic standards and ideals; the role of beauty, morality, and the "good" in art; the impact of movements like Dadaism and conceptual art on contemporary artistic practice; the critique of postmodern art's lack of standards and its connection to consumerism; and the call for a return to traditional artistic principles.
How does the text define "real art"?
The text implicitly defines "real art" as art that adheres to traditional standards and principles, emphasizing beauty, order, symmetry, and a connection between art and morality. It references classical art and the artistic movements prior to the 20th century as examples of this "real art."
What historical periods and movements are discussed?
The text covers a broad range of art historical periods, from ancient Greece through the 18th century, highlighting the importance of beauty and order in classical art. It then focuses on the 20th and 21st centuries, analyzing the impact of Dadaism, conceptual art, and postmodernism on contemporary artistic practice.
What is the text's critique of Dadaism and postmodern art?
The text critiques Dadaism's misinterpretation in the postmodern era and argues that postmodern art, often linked to consumerism and social justice agendas, lacks historical grounding and a deep engagement with historical artistic methods and principles. It suggests that postmodern art is a misappropriation of past movements, lacking its own solid foundation.
What is the text's proposed solution to the perceived crisis in contemporary art?
The text advocates for a return to traditional artistic principles, emphasizing the need for a careful consideration of historical influences and a more rigorous approach to the study of art history. It suggests a renewed focus on beauty, order, and the pursuit of the "good" in art.
What are some of the key terms used in the text?
Key terms include art history, aesthetics, beauty, morality, the good, Dadaism, postmodernism, conceptual art, artistic standards, consumerism, classical art, modernism, and historical method.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the main arguments and points discussed in each section of the text, allowing for a quick grasp of the key ideas presented.
Who is the intended audience for this text?
The intended audience is likely students or scholars interested in art history, aesthetics, and the critique of contemporary art. The structured and professional manner of the text suggests it may be used as part of an academic course.
- Quote paper
- Professor Cyrus Manasseh (Author), 2019, Why Art After The Postmodern Era Is Not Real Art, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/704481
