Why Is That Art?

Aesthetics and Criticism of Contemporary Art

Third Edition

Terry Barrett

Explores a variety of established theories of art, including Realism, Expressionism, Cognitivism, Formalism, and Postmodernist Pluralism
Applies each theory to contemporary works of art, discussing strengths and limitations of each mode of interpretation
Brings abstract ideas together in an accessible way through extended examples, giving students the understanding and vocabulary to confidently enter critical dialogue about art

New to this Edition:

Additional coverage of non-Western artists featuring works by Mona Hatoum, Takashi Murakami, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and more
A thoroughly revised Chapter 6 and Conclusion emphasizing the application of theory to the works themselves
Updates throughout reflecting the latest research and thinking in art theory and criticism

Why Is That Art?

Aesthetics and Criticism of Contemporary Art

Third Edition

Terry Barrett

Description

Why is that art? Why is it in an art museum? Who says it's art? Why is it good?

Why Is That Art?, Third Edition, introduces students to theories of art through the presentation of contemporary works that include abstract and representational painting, animated film, monumental sculpture, performance art, photographs, relational art, and video installations. Ideal for courses in aesthetics, art theory, art criticism, and the philosophy of art, this unique book provides students with a newfound appreciation for contemporary art, scholarship, and reasoned argumentation.

Previous publication dates

September 2011

Why Is That Art?

Aesthetics and Criticism of Contemporary Art

Third Edition

Terry Barrett

Contents
ILLUSTRATIONS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION

1. Artworlds and Definitions: How That Became Art
Art
Honorific Definitions of "Art"
The Open Definition
Classificatory Definitions
Aesthetics
Art Criticism
Description, Interpretation, Judgment, and Theory
Critics on Criticizing
Criticizing Criticism
Criticism and Aesthetics
Skepticism about Art, Aesthetics, and Criticism
Aesthetics, Art Criticism, and Visual Culture
Aestheticians, Artists, Critics, and Readers
Questions for Further Reflection
Notes

2. Realism: Art Is Realistic, Truthful, and Beautiful
A Brief Overview of Realism
Greek Theories of Realism in Art
Plato
Aristotle
Issues Related to Realism
Kitsch
Pornography
Obscenity and Censorship
Photography, Reality, and Truth
What Does It Mean to Say That a Work Is "Realistic"?
Works of Art by Jeff Koons
Critical Commentary on Koons's Work
Koons's Thoughts about His Own Work
Paintings by Alexis Rockman
Critical Commentary on Rockman's Paintings
Rockman's Thoughts about His Own Work
Photographs by Andres Serrano
Critical Commentary on Serrano's Photographs
Serrano's Thoughts about His Own Work
Conclusion
Realism and Artists
Realism and Artworks
Realism and Audiences
Questions for Further Reflection
Notes

3. Expressionism and Cognitivism: Art Shows Feelings, Communicates Thoughts, and Provides Knowledge
Expressionism and Cognitivism
Expressionist and Cognitivist Theories of Art
Leo Tolstoy
Benedetto Croce
R. G. Collingwood
Suzanne Langer
John Dewey
Nelson Goodman
Arthur Danto
Metaphor
Psychoanalytic Theory
Marxist Aesthetics
Joan Mitchell, Painter
Critical Commentary on Mitchell's Paintings
Mitchell's Thoughts about Her Own Work
Mitchell and Expressionism
Louise Bourgeois, Sculptor
Critical Commentary on Bourgeois's Sculptures
Bourgeois's Thoughts about Her Own Work
Bourgeois and Expressionism
Kiki Smith, Printmaker and Sculptor
Critical Commentary on Smith's Work
Smith's Thoughts about Her Own Work
Smith and Cognitivism
The Problem of Artistic Intent
Limitations of Expressionism and Cognitivism
Strengths of Expressionism and Cognitivism
Conclusion
Expressionism, Cognitivism, and Artists
Expressionism, Cognitivism, and Artworks
Expressionism, Cognitivism, and Audiences
Questions for Further Reflection
Notes

4. Formalism: Art Is Significant Form
Precursors to Formalism
Is Beauty Objective or Subjective?
St. Thomas Aquinas
David Hume
Hume on Art Criticism
Early Formalism: Aesthetic Attitude and Aesthetic Experience
Disinterestedness
Decontextualization
Aestheticization
The Sublime
Immanuel Kant
G. W. F. Hegel
Twentieth-Century Formalism
Early Modern Abstractionists: Kandinsky, Mondrian, and Malevich
Clive Bell
Clement Greenberg
Structuralism
Ferdinand de Saussure
Roland Barthes
Structuralism and Formalism
Agnes Martin: Paintings and Drawings
Critical Commentary on Martin's Work
Martin's Thoughts about Her Own Work
Joel Shapiro: Sculptures
Critical Commentary on Shapiro's Work
Shapiro's Thoughts about His Own Work
Andy Goldsworthy: Environmental Sculptures
Critical Commentary on Goldsworthy's Work
Goldsworthy's Thoughts about His Own Work
Martin, Shapiro, Goldsworthy, and Formalism
Strengths and Weaknesses of Formalism
Conclusion
Formalism and Artists
Formalism and Artworks
Formalism and Audiences
Questions for Further Reflection
Notes

5. Postmodern Pluralism: Art Destabilizes the Good, the True, the Beautiful, and the Self
Precursors to Poststructuralism and Postmodernism
Friedrich Nietzsche
Critical Theory, the Frankfurt School, and Neo-Marxism
Poststructuralism
Jacques Lacan
Michel Foucault
Julia Kristeva
Jacques Derrida
Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari
Richard Rorty
Slavoj Žižek
Feminism
Postmodernism
Jean-François Lyotard
Jean Baudrillard
Fredric Jameson
Postcolonialism
Cindy Sherman: Photographs
Critical Commentary on Sherman's Photographs
Sherman's Thoughts about Her Own Work
Cindy Sherman and Postmodern Pluralism
Lorna Simpson: Photographs with Words
Critical Commentary on Simpson's Work
Simpson's Thoughts about Her Own Work
Lorna Simpson and Postmodern Pluralism
Paul McCarthy: Performances, Videos, and Sculptures
Critical Commentary on McCarthy's Work
McCarthy's Thoughts about His Own Work
McCarthy and Postmodern Pluralism
Strengths and Weaknesses of Postmodern Pluralism
Approaches to Postmodern Artmaking
Escaping the Confines of Museums
Collapsing Boundaries Between "High" and "Low"
Rejecting "Originality"
Jouissance
Working Collaboratively
Appropriating
Simulating
Hybridizing
Mixing Media
Layering
Mixing Codes
Recontextualizing
Confronting the Gaze
Facing the Abject
Constructing Identities
Using Narratives
Creating Metaphors
Using Irony, Parody, and Dissonance
Conclusion
Postmodern Pluralism and Artists
Postmodern Pluralism and Artworks
Postmodern Pluralism and Audiences
Questions for Further Reflection
Notes

6. Conclusion
Why Is Hanging Garden Art?
Art by Definitions
Hanging Garden and Realism
Hanging Garden and Cognitive Expressionism
Hanging Garden and Formalism Considerations
Hanging Garden and Postmodern Pluralism
Why Is Jellyfish Eyes Art?
Jellyfish Eyes and Realism
Jellyfish Eyes and Cognitive Expressionism
Jellyfish Eyes and Formalism
Jellyfish Eyes and Postmodern Pluralism
Why Is Do We Dream Under the Same Sky Art?
Do We Dream Under the Same Sky and Realism
Do We Dream Under the Same Sky and Cognitive Expressionism
Do We Dream Under the Same Sky and Formalism
Do We Dream Under the Same Sky and Postmodern Pluralism
Purposes of Art
Selecting Criteria
A Single Criterion or Multiple Criteria for All Works of Art
Questions for Further Reflection
Notes

GLOSSARY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INDEX

Why Is That Art?

Aesthetics and Criticism of Contemporary Art

Third Edition

Terry Barrett

Author Information

Terry Barrett is Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University and former Professor of Art History and Art Education at the University of North Texas.

Why Is That Art?

Aesthetics and Criticism of Contemporary Art

Third Edition

Terry Barrett

Reviews and Awards

"I have the highest praise for Barrett's clear and concise text. The information is approachable and interesting to students who have little introduction to contemporary art theory, history, or criticism. The questions offered at the ends of the chapters offer thoughtful perspectives for further discussion, inquiry, and reference." --Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo, University of Michigan

"I like Why Is That Art? because it explains how to look, understand, and judge contemporary art through engaging discussions of selected stimulating art works. It highlights the reasons for accepting some works of art by merging a variety of established theories with convincing points of view." --Rihab Kassatly Bagnole, Savannah College of Art & Design

"Barrett's text serves as an ideal introduction to aesthetics and art criticism. The text really helps students in raising awareness of the complexity of the contemporary art scene and underlying ideas and theories that shape it." --Zdenko Krtic, Auburn University