Oppositional Aesthetics: Readings from a Hyphenated Space

by Arun Mukherjee

In these closely argued essays, taking examples from writing and film, Mukherjee considers the place of the third world person--both as artistic creator and as a subject of artistic endeavour--in the West. This important work includes detailed and original considerations of the works of David Lean, Michael Ondaatje, MG Vassanji, Earle Birney, Rohinton Mistry, Neil Bissoondath, Dionne Brand, and numerous others.

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Jane Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Professor Mukherjee combines theory and practice in her book on oppositional aesthetics. She first outlines the state of criticism that erases differences by imposing universalism. She then provides examples of her own literary criticism that take into account sociology, history, and memory.

I read this book in two days, because Professor Mukherjee's writing, clear and unpretentious as it is, challenged me. Like a mirror, she exposed to me my own hegemonic, universalist readings. I realize how much more education I need.