Arthur Danto

Definition

Arthur Danto was an influential American art critic and philosopher known for his theories on the philosophy of art, particularly his ideas regarding the nature of art and its context. He is best known for coining the term 'the artworld,' which describes the social and institutional frameworks that determine what is considered art, connecting his ideas to the functions of museums, galleries, and the art market.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Danto argued that art is not solely defined by its physical properties but also by its context within the artworld, emphasizing the role of institutions like museums and galleries in shaping this definition.
2. He introduced the idea that artworks can be understood as 'art' only within a specific historical and cultural context, which has significant implications for how art is displayed and sold in galleries and markets.
3. Danto's famous essay 'The Artworld' discusses how objects become art through a process of interpretation, where meaning is derived from cultural narratives rather than just aesthetic qualities.
4. He believed that the rise of conceptual art challenged traditional notions of art, expanding the criteria for what can be classified as art within contemporary museums and galleries.
5. Danto's work highlighted the relationship between philosophy and art criticism, making it clear that understanding art involves not only visual analysis but also a deeper engagement with cultural contexts and theoretical frameworks.

Review Questions

• How did Arthur Danto’s concept of 'the artworld' change the way we perceive artworks in relation to museums and galleries?
  • Danto’s concept of 'the artworld' emphasized that artworks gain their identity and meaning through the contexts provided by institutions like museums and galleries. This idea shifted the focus from merely evaluating an artwork based on its physical characteristics to considering the broader social and institutional narratives that surround it. Thus, understanding art became a matter of examining its place within these contexts rather than just its aesthetic value.
• Discuss how Danto's theories relate to contemporary debates about what qualifies as art in today's galleries and markets.
  • Danto’s theories suggest that contemporary debates about what qualifies as art are largely influenced by social constructs within the artworld. His assertion that context shapes our understanding of art means that galleries play a pivotal role in legitimizing certain forms or styles as 'art.' As a result, discussions about non-traditional or conceptual artworks often revolve around their acceptance by critics, institutions, and the market rather than their inherent qualities.
• Evaluate the significance of Danto's contributions to both philosophy and art criticism, particularly regarding how we assess value in the art market today.
  • Danto’s contributions significantly bridged philosophy and art criticism by framing how we assess value in artworks through a philosophical lens. He argued that value isn't intrinsic but rather assigned based on context, which is essential in today's fluctuating art market. This perspective encourages collectors, critics, and audiences to look beyond price tags or visual appeal and consider historical significance, institutional recognition, and cultural narratives when determining an artwork's value. This shift not only impacts buying practices but also shapes how future artists create works intended for these complex frameworks.

Related terms

The Artworld: A concept introduced by Danto that emphasizes the importance of the social context, institutions, and cultural narratives that shape our understanding of what art is.

Aesthetic Theory: A branch of philosophy that explores the nature of beauty, art, and taste, and the creation and appreciation of beauty in art as influenced by various factors.

Postmodernism: An artistic and cultural movement characterized by a skeptical, self-aware attitude towards traditional narratives and ideologies, which Danto critiqued and engaged with in his work.