The Dialectics of Art

by John Molyneux

To the question of "what is art?", it is often simply responded that art is whatever is produced by the artist. For John Molyneux, this clearly circular answer is deeply unsatisfying. In a tour de force spanning renaissance Italy and the Dutch Republic to contemporary leading figures, The Dialectics of Art instead approaches its subject matter as a distinct field of creative human labour that emerges alongside and in opposition to the alienation and commodification brought about by capitalism. The pieces and individuals Molyneux examines -- from Michelangelo’s Slaves to Rembrandts Jewish Bride to the vast drip paintings of Jackson Pollock – are presented as embodying the social contradictions of their times, giving art an inherently political relevance. In its relationship of creative and dialectical tension to prevailing social relationships and norms, such art points beyond the existing order of things, hinting at a potential future society not based on alienated labour in which creative production becomes the property and practice of all.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2020

Reviews

[Caroline Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lol this man thinks postmodernism isn’t...real

[Remus Balint · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When the workers organise work for the benefit of the workers, that is to say of the whole people, they will once more know what is meant by art."

[Andi_banandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense but fascinating book, I learned a lot about political uprisings via a lens of paintings. It made Michelangelo seem like a really relatable guy, excited about the new socialist revolution and sad when it was crushed (as evidenced by the tone shift in his art). Also I loved learning about Rembrandt and his very humanistic portrayals of people.

[Stephen Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great chapters, representing a point in time about certain art, artists and exhibitions. Also many interesting perspectives though too often diluted by signing off a chapter with a version of, "of course there are exceptions to this view".

But it made me think, and that's surely a good thing. just moved from 3 to 4 stars based on that alone.

[Phil Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous book. Detailed, intelligent but very accessible. Highly recommended.

You might also want to see my review:
http://www.culturematters.org.uk/inde...

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Wears it’s erudition lightly. Clear, precise language. Highly accessible.

[Nigel Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A significant contribution to the field of Marxist Aesthetics.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

really thoughtful collection of essays! some definitely resonated with me more over others, but a great Marxist examination of art and how it plays into a larger political discussion.