Michael Fried

Definition

Michael Fried is an influential American art critic and historian known for his critical writings on Minimalism and Conceptual Art. He gained prominence in the 1960s for his essays that challenged the aesthetic values of modern art, particularly focusing on the relationship between the viewer and the artwork. His ideas have been pivotal in understanding how Abstract Expressionism impacted Minimalism and shaped critiques within the art world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fried's essay 'Art and Objecthood' is one of his most notable works, where he argues against the immersive and theatrical aspects of Minimalist art.
2. He believed that Minimalism's focus on physical presence led to an experience that was more about the viewer's interaction with the object rather than the artwork itself.
3. Fried often emphasized the importance of painting as a medium that maintains its integrity when viewed in isolation, contrasting with the environmental qualities of Minimalist works.
4. His critiques also extend to how the art market influences the perception and value of both Minimalist and Conceptual Art.
5. Fried's writings have sparked ongoing debates regarding the definitions and boundaries of art, especially concerning the role of the viewer in experiencing art.

Review Questions

• How did Michael Fried’s perspective on theatricality influence his critique of Minimalism?
  • Fried argued that Minimalist art often incorporated theatrical elements, making it more about the viewer’s experience than the intrinsic qualities of the artwork itself. He believed this theatricality detracted from the essential nature of art, as it shifted focus away from contemplation to a more participatory engagement. Fried felt that true art should encourage an introspective viewing experience rather than one dictated by environmental interactions.
• In what ways does Michael Fried's critique differ from Clement Greenberg’s views on Modernism?
  • While both critics were influential in shaping contemporary art criticism, Fried diverged from Greenberg’s formalist approach by emphasizing viewer experience over formal qualities. Greenberg focused on purity in art forms, particularly painting, asserting that each medium should highlight its own unique properties. In contrast, Fried criticized how Minimalism’s physical presence created distractions from the artwork’s meaning, arguing for a more contemplative engagement without environmental influences.
• Evaluate how Michael Fried's critiques of Minimalism inform our understanding of the relationship between art and its market value.
  • Fried’s critiques highlight the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success in the art market. By arguing that Minimalist works prioritize viewer interaction over artistic intention, he raises questions about how market dynamics can shape perceptions of value in art. This suggests that when artworks are primarily experienced through their physical presence rather than their conceptual depth, they may become commodities rather than genuine expressions of artistic vision. Fried’s insights encourage deeper reflection on how market forces can influence not only what is considered valuable but also how art is experienced by audiences.

Related terms

Theatricality: A term used by Fried to describe a quality in art that suggests a performance or stage-like presence, which he criticized in Minimalist works as detracting from their essence.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing innovation and a break from traditional forms, which shaped the context for Fried's critiques.

Clement Greenberg:

An influential art critic known for his formalist approach to art, who provided a contrasting viewpoint to Fried's critiques of Minimalism and Conceptual Art.