Beyond the Brillo Box: The Visual Arts in Post-Historical Perspective

by Arthur C. Danto

In this collection of interconnected essays, Arthur C. Danto argues that Andy Warhol's Brillo Box of 1964 brought the established trajectory of Westen art to an end and gave rise to a pluralism which has changed the way art is made, perceived, and exhibited. Wonderfully illuminating and highly provocative, his essays explore how conceptions of art–and resulting historical narratives–differ according to culture. They also grapple with the most challenging issues in art today, including censorship and state support of artists.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Philosophy, Essays, Art History, Visual Art

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Arthur C. Danto was Johnsonian Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Columbia University and art critic for The Nation. He was the author of numerous books, including Unnatural Wonders: Essays from the Gap Between Art and Life, After the End of Art, and Beyond the Brillo Box: The Visual Arts in Post-Historical Perspective.

Reviews

[Ezgi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sanat nasıl yapılıyor sorusu ve sanat eserinin dönüşebileceği formları anlatıyor Danto. Ama sanat eleştirilerinde sıkça rastladığım lafı çok dolandırma sorunu bu kitapta da var. Bazı metinler hiçbir yere varmıyor. Belli isim ve eğilimleri öğrenmek adına alandan insanları cezbedebilir. Benim için yavan bir okuma oldu.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must reading for art nerds.

[Lauren Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Danto book I’ve read and I’m in awe of his mind. I struggled to keep up but found the effort worthwhile. I read his Transfiguration of the Commonplace 14 years ago and loved it and I don’t know why I didn’t read his other books. I’m now making up for lost time,

[Acolvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a designer friend years ago. I picked it up a few times over the years, but never powered through it until now.

This was a bit difficult to get through, with art and philosophical references that were not familiar to me. But the essay topics were interesting and well reasoned, and the logic holds up even when the references are not current. This is not a book for casual observers of art since it tilts heavily towards the esoteric - both art and philosophy, but sometimes it's good to try something new. Or, old.

[Karen]

David Bowie’s Formative Reading List of 75 Favorite Books
#13

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great clear writing about the influence of Pop Art in the 'artworld' - a term Danto coined. Influenced by Hegel, Danto playfully announces the end of art and shows how art evolved into philosophy.

[Mónica Alija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy iluminador para quienes comienzan a indagar en el mundo del arte contemporáneo y su concepto.

[$am · Rating 4 out of 5]

need to read more danto

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes difficult and erudite, and always thoughtful and creative, Danto cites sources from Proust to Feuerbach, from Boltanski to Gombrich to Warhol. Filled with citations, ideas & arguments, Arthur Danto exposes himself first as a philosopher and then as a talented art critic/pundit/thoughtful observer.
Insightful work on the culture and thought forms behind contemporary art.

[tana · Rating 3 out of 5]

so so so many references. proof of argument nothing is really original. i like it. i will refer back to it.

[Peter Pinelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed moments of this book. At the 2/3rds mark I lost patience, and started to skim