Art in Theory, 1900–2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas

Art in Theory

by Charles Harrison (Editor), Paul J. Wood (Editor)

This popular anthology of twentieth-century art theoretical texts has now been expanded to take account of new research, and to include significant contributions to art theory from the 1990s.

New edition of this popular anthology of twentieth-century art-theoretical texts. Now updated to include the results of new research, together with significant contributions from the 1990s. Includes writings by critics, philosophers, politicians and literary figures. The editors provide contextual introductions to 340 texts. Complements Art in Theory, 1648–1815 and Art in Theory, 1815–1900 to create a complete survey of the theories underpinning the development of art in the modern period.

Genres: Art, Art History, Nonfiction, History, Philosophy, Reference, Theory

1296 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 1993

About the author

Charles Townsend Harrison, BA Hons (Cantab), MA (Cantab), PhD (London) was a prominent UK art historian who taught Art History for many years and was Emeritus Professor of History and Theory of Art at the Open University.

He was tutor in Art History, Open University, 1977-2005, Reader in Art History 1985-1994, Professor of the History & Theory of Art, 1994-2008, Professor Emeritus, 2008-2009; Visiting Professor, University of Chicago 1991 and 1996, Visiting Professor, University of Texas, 1997.

Reviews

[Harlan Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It hit me, but felt like a kiss.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goes without saying... as this is the standard reference (at least back in my day). It's different than other reference books (I guess some wouldn't even call it that) in that it has parts or wholes of the original sources with a short abstract prefacing each. Also, the selections are grouped not only by periods but by ideas within periods such as "Objecthood and Redctivism" (within Modernism) or "The Critique of Originality" (within Postmodernism). Enough heady material for years of excavation or tangents.

[Mafe Pazos · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIND-BLOWING. Harrison's compilation catalogues the progression of discourse on the nature of form versus content, the formation of the historical perspective and the nuances present in the development of ideas through the art discussion and its significance to the understanding of existence and the search for meaning.

Beginning with the idolization of Cezanne and the rise of Expressionism, the conversation traverses down the path of Futurists, Social Realists, Neoclassicists and even Dadaists, culminating in the turmoil of the Post-Modernist dilemma. The artistic conversation transforms into more than just a discussion of movements and "-isms," and, by examining the changes in the way people thought and engaged with art, it challenges our current perceptions of culture, history and, more importantly, our contemporary narratives.

It compels us to think about the nature of our present sensibilities and the manner in which we, as human beings, existing within a given context, experience the allure of the sublime and the formation of culture.

Art in Theory 1900-2000 asks you to redefine your fundamental identity and, thus, decipher the essence of your individual and collective aesthetics.

[Eleanor · Rating 1 out of 5]

unbelievably hard to read (i came accross the word altermondialisation - stupid bourriard and his stupid made-up words) but unfortunately this book is invaluable to any artist/art-student.

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

a meaty read. LOTS of artist statements and writings on their own work. This is a collection of manifestos, reviews and essays that's unmatched by anything else i've seen. thorough and engrossing

[David Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible the most important book I own, if you're into art, this is your Bible and shame on you if you do not own it.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a visual art major in grad school and teacher, this book is a necessity when writing papers for art history, criticism and critiques because it offers insights from some of the best artists and critics of the age. A lot of the articles require extra research to comprehend, however, after reading and researching most of this (very thick) book, I have learned a great deal about theories and ideas I never knew existed in Art. This will stay on my book shelf for the rest of forever.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Art Theory... how I love thee but hate thee all at the same time. This book is a great resource and a must for any art historian. Filled with lots of great articles -- some great, some B.S., but still a good resource.

[Laura P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read this whole book (it's like 2000 pages) but it is a really great reference for art historical essays, critical theory, and philosophy. Any seminal discussion of modern art is in here. I have read it for class and for fun.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your best source for modern art! With all the authentic manifests from artists such as Malevich, or interviews with, among others, Francis Bacon. Love it! You’ll feel so close to the artists. Like you’re in their heads.

[Jez · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my fave art history reference books. Eventually you end up reading every essay. Research that's fun!

[Dennis Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

invaluable text(s) by artists and critics. a must for anyone who is an artist and/or viewer of art

[Meg Mjaatvedt]

and by read, I mean I use it as a book press

[Mayank Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
Pablo Picasso

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book (most of it) for a Art Theory and Criticism class I took last semester for college. Man, it is a dense huge book, ( 1258 pages!) A lot of it was very dense reading too because many of the theorists' articles in the book was from the 1920s to the 1940s written in a time when academic language was very ahem, academic and extremely scholarly and also from a time that is not current. So a lot of the material was very hard to parse. Perhaps I am more pedestrian but I do like things to be a little easier to read. It is good that the class required a lot of participation because we needed it to truly understand it all. But personally, some of it was quite pretentious. However, I gave it 4 stars because it was pretty comprehensive in the amount of information it included (again 1258 pages). For example 12 separate articles alone on cubism. (The book didn't get into modernism until halfway through the book) I will admit to not having read the entire book but just assigned readings (but it was a lot) and perhaps a few more chapters in trying to understand part of it. Now, for people wanting to study art theory, this would be good to study in-depth. For that reason I gave it 4 stars.

[Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The anthology covers a wide range of art movements and styles, including Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Conceptual Art, and Postmodernism, among others. It includes key texts by influential figures in the art world, such as Marcel Duchamp, Wassily Kandinsky, Clement Greenberg, Susan Sontag, and many more. These texts offer insights into the changing philosophies, theories, and debates surrounding art during the 20th century.

"Art in Theory, 1900–2000" is often used as a primary text in art history and art theory courses, making it an essential resource for students and scholars in the field. It provides a valuable historical and intellectual context for understanding the developments in art and aesthetics over the course of the 20th century. The paperback edition of the book makes it accessible to a wide range of readers interested in the theory and history of art.

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[Isaac Rojas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It works for the understanding of how the elements of art have been forged throughout time by word and writing of the most influential personalities in their historic context, but as a dilettante on art history it would have been much helpful something more chronological. Anyways, surely this is a must be for students on the matter or anyone who wants to dig on the essentials.

[Martin Ridgway · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful guide through the last century of art, even if some of the readings are tedious and pretentious in the extreme. Notwithstanding that, the section and extract introductions are clear and useful. Again, thematic rather than chronological layout.

[NONATION · Rating 4 out of 5]

art and teory is really good

[Yair Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a psychological book

[Gokuloko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Doris Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS A GOOD BOOK.

[Nida · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really useful and interesting. Whilst reading this book i was able to develop my learning as it had provided me with a lot of information about art and it's history.

[sam howie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic and exhausting. So good!

[Dana Kingsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot recommend highly enough

[Lukas Vom Hofé · Rating 4 out of 5]

😌

[Murillohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Include significant contributions to art theory from the 1990s.

[Shaun Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this entire book felt like an achievement. Near the end it was harder to read because mid-way I decided that art critics are boring. And they are. They just ramble on and on and on and on. The real jewel of this book is the text by artists themselves, their symposiums, and their interviews. As an artist myself I felt a profound kinship with this text. This book also introduced to me artists I knew little (or nothing) about, their movements, their politics, and their theories. It is not only useful in applying this knowledge to looking at art, but if you are an artist yourself it reveals to you a deeper understanding to your own artistic choices--where they come from, where they're rooted. Deeply moving.

[Brooke Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essays are grouped by thematic content and given well rounded introductions by the editors of the volume. A word of warning to the readers: do not take what is put in the volume at face value...which is a big temptation. The only way to really learn from this book is to challenge the authors and decide for yourself the merits of the analysis. Art theory is intellectually dense but extremely dangerous to accept without serious study. This book is a reference on art theory like no other in the world. So please do yourselves a favor and get this book before it's taken out of print. And when this book goes out of print thanks to the ipad and ebook craze putting book publishers out of business...you'll be very sorry you didn't get it when you could.