Art as Abstract Machine: Ontology and Aesthetics in Deleuze and Guattari

by Stephen Zepke

The aim of this book is to understand what Deleuze and Guattari mean by art. Stephen Zepke argues that art, in their account, is an ontological term and an ontological practice that results in a new understanding of aesthetics. For Deleuze and Guattari understanding what art is means understanding how it works, what it does, how it becomes, and finally, how it lives. This book illuminates these philosophers' discussion of ontology from the viewpoint of art-and vice versa-in a thorough questioning of aesthetic criteria as they are normally understood.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to put up reviews on books like this without writing a damn essay at the same time. So, I'll just say that it was fascinating for me, probably like a kick in the guts for others. Pretty much AAAM appealed because it analyses theories of art in a delineated and decentralised way. Also interesting chapter/s on minority and homogenisation of difference/cultural negation/assimilation of visual systems outside of the overarching structure.
I could go on more about cultural control, hierarchy of the image, etc. but I wont.