Who's Afraid of Conceptual Art?

by Peter Goldie, Elisabeth Schellekens

What is conceptual art? Is it really a kind of art in its own right? Is it clever – or too clever? Of all the different art forms it is perhaps conceptual art which at once fascinates and infuriates the most. In this much-needed book Peter Goldie and Elisabeth Schellekens demystify conceptual art using the sharp tools of philosophy. They explain how conceptual art is driven by ideas rather than the manipulation of paint and physical materials; how it challenges the very basis of what we can know about art, as well as our received ideas of beauty; and why conceptual art requires us to rethink concepts fundamental to art and aesthetics, such as artistic interpretation and appreciation. Including helpful illustrations of the work of celebrated conceptual artists from Marcel Duchamp, Joseph Kosuth and Piero Manzoni to Dan Perjovschi and Martin Creed, Who’s Afraid of Conceptual Art? is a superb starting point for anyone intrigued but perplexed by conceptual art - and by art in general. It will be particularly helpful to students of philosophy, art and visual studies seeking an introduction not only to conceptual art but fundamental topics in art and aesthetics.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Philosophy

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Cosima Denton Mill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve read various books dealing with philosophical arguments but this was the clearest and easiest to follow by far!

[Ivan]

Ever wondered how an artist can supposedly transform a glass of water into a tree?
Or been baffled, irritated or infuriated when an artist claims to make art merely by adding a signature to an everyday object? Then this could be the book for you!

It is essentially a guide to the ultimate vanishing trick of modern art: the dematerialization of the art object. Conceptual art's heyday was in the 1960s and '70s, but its roots are much earlier and it remains highly influential on contemporary artists. However, a word of warning: this is not a work of art history, and in fact its authors make a few blunders (such as conflating the artists Claude and Poussin into one person, and confusing German Expressionism with Neue Sachlikeit).

It is written from the viewpoint of philosophy, and is one of the least obfuscatory texts I've read on contemporary art. Whilst I can't guarantee that you will like conceptual art any better after reading it, it's possible that you will, and even if you don't you'll be better equipped for an argument on the topic. Conceptual art (as I believe Andy Warhol said about his work) is by its very nature more interesting to read about than it is to look at, and the book also serves as an introduction to philosophical ideas about art in general.

[Sahe94 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out in very appealing fashion (especially to conceptual artists) and becomes increasingly philosophical and even distressing to read (concept wise, not language). Ideas are clear and organized, and is very succinct, although I expected a bit more on the criteria of good conceptual art. It's refreshing how the authors intentionally remain ambiguous and neutral when it comes to the definition of terms such as "art", although this lack of definite definition resulted in a poor and unsubtantiated ending and conclusion. There is even a bit of humor and "everyday speech" which i really appreciate.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very intense, and I plan on re-reading it to really 'get' everything. What I liked about it was that it wasn't like 'yee lowly plebs, the fools who don't understand conceptual' type of thing. All in all, it was an informative, quick read.

[Filipa André · Rating 4 out of 5]

great introduction for those looking to understand the difficult reception, acceptance and process of assimilation of conceptual art into the commonsensical notion of what art is or should be. quite approachable and simple philosophical writing. (also good for the sceptics willing to give conceptual art a go!)

[Khanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a good introduction. dense philosophical arguments simplified in the best way. wish it included a more diverse range of artists tho.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful for beginner and intermediate art historians and critics alike!
Have you ever had the task of teaching students (or your peers) about something as perplexing--as vexing--as conceptual art? This book provides the key in an approachable but not oversimplified way. There is no sense that Goldie and Schellekens are 'dumbing down' their arguments. Even for the seasoned scholar, their approach to conceptual art and its philosophical underpinnings is very useful. They introduce a wide variety of appropriate strategies for deconstructing conceptual works and demystifying conceptualism's various movements and bodies of scholarship. The authors provide a framework that helps readers navigate smoothly from point A through point Z, and their research is thorough and well-conceived (I find myself turning to their endnotes frequently to make note of useful-but-obscure references). I picked up this text as a teaching tool and ended up learning quite a bit more than expected!

[Lauren Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an excellent and thorough analysis of the idea and practice of conceptual art. It was philosophical but tried hard to maintain its readability.