Postmodern Animal

by Steve Baker

In The Postmodern Animal , Steve Baker explores how animal imagery has been used in modern and contemporary art and performance, and in postmodern philosophy and literature, to suggest and shape ideas about identity and creativity. Baker cogently analyses the work of such European and American artists as Olly and Suzi, Mark Dion, Paula Rego and Sue Coe, at the same time looking critically at the constructions, performances and installations of Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, Joseph Beuys and other significant late twentieth-century artists. Baker's book draws parallels between the animal's place in postmodern art and poststructuralist theory, drawing on works as diverse as Jacques Derrida's recent analysis of the role of animals in philosophical thought and Julian Barnes's best-selling Flaubert's Parrot .

Genres: Art, Animals, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ran out of tea halfway through Steve Baker's chapter that was called something about Leopards, but was really about Deleuze and Guattari's theory of becoming-animal. When I returned from the boiled kettle and the newly-made cup, I had forgotten why the ape hanging on the window-sill was important. But returning to Deleuzian theory is a bit like returning to a dream - it all makes perfect sense until you wake up, and second time around it's never the same as the first. I like that after giving a long definition of what Baker believes becoming-animal 'signifies' he then says: "This hardly amounts to a definition of becoming-animal, but it is already clear that Deleuze and Guattari, sceptical of fixity, will not be providing a definition as such". Thanks for trying though, Steve. To be honest though, this chapter did make the strange, squishy theory have a bit of substance in the centre, or maybe around the sides. Unfortunately, I can't quite grab it yet because of all the squishiness.

[Jack Lyell · Rating 4 out of 5]

[22/166]

I'd really love to come back with a much deeper understanding of postmodernism and argue with this book; for as many good points as it makes there were certain bits where I felt inclined to scoff. I think the singular thing that irks me most about postmodernism is this continuing need to be "taken seriously" (discussed around page 176), veering from sentimentality... I can see where this complaint is coming from, but I believe it automatically enforces certain limits on an artist. There really can't be complete neutrality between observer and subject; I think there's room for the postmodern pet and the postmodern kitsch. On that note, I would have liked more of pet-as-bridge, or other ways that an animal is not only used in the ideological framework but serves to expand on ideas earlier discussed in the book... I also think it's hilarious that postmodern scholars by and large seem to be cat people. I would really appreciate academia that is a little less hostile towards dogs.
C'mon, guys!
Anyways, other ideas regarding the intrusive "thing-ness" of animals that defies our ability to completely reduce them to the abstract, the Oepidal vs the wild, and the idea of the "genuine article" are all exciting. This makes for a really crunchy, fun read if you want to get into postmodern zoopoetic theory, and the 72 (!!!) art pieces contained within are equally exciting and demonstrative of the field in their own right.

[Antonina Swietlicka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book contextualizing the complicated, rough, and at times beautiful relationship, human culture has cultivated with animals and their bodies alike. Baker is a great writer and his accessible language and clear passion for the topic permeated through the pages which made it even more pleasurable. After reading this I will be delving into his other book focused on culture and animality 'Picturing the Beast' and I am beyond excited.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearly worth it just for the 74 photos and plates of transgressive animal-themed artwork. Equally rewarding is Baker's discussion of artistic techniques and poststructuralist philosophy as they relate to animal imagery and human identity. Although not limited to their analyses in scope, Baker does heavily engage with Deleuze and Guattari, especially their A Thousand Plateaus, for the conceptual framework used in approaching the artistic works he analyses. One of the most thought provoking and energizing (from a creative perspective) books I've read in some time.

[Thomas Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly thought provoking look at animal figures in contemporary art.