Visual Studies: A Skeptical Introduction by James Elkins

by James Elkins

Visual studies is a rapidly expanding intellectual field, growing throughout colleges and universities around the world. But is it asking the most interesting questions? And is it just too easy to do? In his latest book, James Elkins offers a road map through the field of visual studies, describing its major concerns and its principal theoretical sources. Then, with the skill and insight that have marked his successful books on art and visuality, Elkins takes the reader down a side road where visual studies can become a more interesting place. Why look only at the same handful of theorists? Why exclude from one's field of vision non-Western art or the wealth of scientific images? The centerpiece of Visual Studies is Elkins's proposal for ten ways in which visual studies could be made more difficult -- theoretically, practically, and in terms of its interpretative and historical range. As Stories of Art offered an antidote to the authorized version of art history, Visual A Skeptical Introduction proposes a refreshingly open-minded introduction to a growing field. This handsome volume is illustrated throughout.

Genres: Art

Paperback

First published August 8, 2003

About the author

James Elkins (1955 – present) is an art historian and art critic. He is E.C. Chadbourne Chair of art history, theory, and criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He also coordinates the Stone Summer Theory Institute, a short term school on contemporary art history based at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Reviews

[Daniel Esquivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was, from my point of view a great introduction, the book touches in many of the possible concerns that could or are part of the field of visual studies. In addition in makes a great introduction because it cites a lot authors, key concepts and ideas, that are or could part of the field with its different obstacles. One could end up with a good reading list and possible directions of how to study and whom.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elkins' overview tackles a lot of questions about the possibilities and pitfalls of interdisciplinary scholarship that I've been thinking about lately, and provides a succinct history of the discipline of Visual Studies along the way. The third chapter, on "ten ways to make Visual Studies more difficult"--methodologically, theoretically, and in the practice of writing--is the heart of the book, and I would definitely recommend at least that section for anyone who's interested in doing academic work on visual objects.

[John]

nonfiction,criticism

[LemontreeLime]

I gave this a shot, tried to read it, 30 pages went in one ear and out the other. Perhaps another reader will enjoy it more.