Who's Afraid of Conceptual Art?

By Peter Goldie, Elisabeth Schellekens

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• ISBN: 978-0-415-42282-6
• Binding: Paperback (also available in Hardback)
• Published by: Routledge
• Publication Date: 14th October 2009
• Pages: 160

About the Book

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.

Reviews

‘Who's Afraid of Conceptual Art? is a philosophically substantive guide through the controversies and values of conceptual art executed with wit and intellectual verve. Accessible to all, it is a must read for anyone interested in the nature and significance of conceptual art.’ – Matthew Kieran, University of Leeds, UK

'Conceptual art has perplexed and provoked philosophers and art lovers for decades. Armed with perfectly chosen examples, clear and engaging arguments, and a genuine sympathy for their subject, Goldie and Schellekens explain why we are right to be perplexed and then show us how to appreciate the ingenuity and sheer craftiness of some of the most infamous and yet captivating specimens of recent art.' – Dominic McIver Lopes, University of British Columbia, Canada

‘This very lively and stimulating book is the perfect cure for those who suffer from an uneasiness, or even a phobia, concerning conceptual art. Goldie and Schellekens do a wonderful job in making the philosophical issues accessible to readers lacking a specialized background. The treatment of conceptual art is well-informed, sympathetic yet critical, and liberally illustrated with engaging discussion of challenging examples.’ - David Davies, McGill University, Canada

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. The Challenge of Conceptual Art 2. The definition and the thing 3. Appreciating conceptual art 4. Aesthetics and beyond 5. What’s left once aesthetic appreciation has gone?

About the Author(s)

Peter Goldie is Samuel Hall Chair in Philosophy at The University of Manchester; and has held posts at King’s College London and Magdalen College, Oxford. He is the author of The Emotions: A Philosophical Exploration (2000) and On Personality (2004).

Elisabeth Schellekens is Senior Lecturer in the Philosophy Department at Durham University. With Peter Goldie she was a joint researcher in an AHRC Innovation Award project on philosophy and conceptual art. She is editor (with Peter Goldie) of Philosophy and Conceptual Art (2007) and author of Aesthetics and Morality (2007).

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