Art as object

Definition

Art as object refers to the idea that art should be understood primarily as a physical entity, emphasizing its material presence and aesthetic qualities. This notion challenges the idea of art as a vehicle for meaning or communication, instead focusing on the object itself, its form, and how it occupies space. This perspective is crucial when analyzing critiques from key figures who argue about the role and function of art within minimalist and conceptual movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Michael Fried criticized art as object for being too focused on the physical presence of artworks, suggesting it detracts from their emotional and temporal aspects.
2. Clement Greenberg argued that painting should be an exploration of its own medium, emphasizing flatness and surface over narrative or conceptual content.
3. In the context of minimalism, art as object often leads to a discussion on how these works engage with the viewer's physical experience.
4. The debate around art as object raises questions about authenticity, originality, and the relationship between art and its audience.
5. Both Fried and Greenberg's critiques underline a tension between traditional artistic values and the evolving definitions of what constitutes art in minimalist and conceptual practices.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of art as object challenge traditional notions of artistic meaning?
  • Art as object shifts the focus from interpreting meaning or narrative in art to understanding its physicality and presence. This challenges traditional notions by suggesting that an artwork's value lies in its material characteristics rather than in any conveyed message or emotional response. Critics like Michael Fried argue that this focus can lead to a reductionist view of art, stripping it of its deeper significance.
• Evaluate the arguments presented by Michael Fried and Clement Greenberg regarding the implications of viewing art as object.
  • Michael Fried's critique suggests that viewing art solely as an object limits its potential to engage with viewers emotionally and temporally. In contrast, Clement Greenberg emphasizes that recognizing a painting as an object highlights its unique properties, such as flatness and color. Together, their arguments illustrate a fundamental divide in understanding art—whether it should be experienced primarily through its materiality or whether deeper concepts should take precedence.
• Synthesize how the concept of art as object reflects broader trends in contemporary art practices and criticism.
  • The concept of art as object reflects broader trends in contemporary art by foregrounding discussions about materiality, viewer interaction, and the role of context in understanding artworks. This synthesis reveals how minimalism and conceptual art challenge traditional aesthetics while raising critical questions about authenticity and artistic intention. In this way, contemporary practices continue to evolve from historical critiques, demonstrating a complex interplay between objecthood and meaning that influences both artists and critics alike.

Related terms

Minimalism: An art movement that emphasizes simplicity, focusing on the use of basic geometric forms and a limited color palette to create works that highlight their materiality.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the concept or idea behind the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic values, often questioning the nature of art itself.

Art Criticism: The analysis and evaluation of art, often involving discussions about its meaning, purpose, and impact on society and culture.