Aging Moderns: Art, Literature, and the Experiment of Later Life

Aging Moderns explores how a group of writers and artists continued the modernist experiment into later life, challenging assumptions about literary creativity, the depiction of old age, and the boundaries of modernism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Aging Moderns: Exploring the Radical Artistic Principles of Writers and Artists in Later Life

Scott Herring delves into the captivating journey of a group of writers and artists who embraced the modernist experiment and continued to push its boundaries into later life. Through meticulous research and insightful portraits, he unveils how their radical artistic principles set a new path for creative aging.

In Aging Moderns, readers are introduced to a diverse array of individuals who sought unconventional methods and collaborations to redefine their artistic expression. These artists include Djuna Barnes, whose poetic prowess extended to pharmacy orders and grocery lists, showcasing the seamless integration of high modernism principles into various aspects of life. Samuel Steward, a gay writer, crafted mystery novels that explored queer theory of aging, challenging prevailing notions of gay male ageism. Mabel Hampton, a Harlem Renaissance dancer, shattered stereotypes about aging through her vibrant performances at the Lesbian Herstory Archives, challenging notions of heteronormativity and ageism.

Herring's exploration extends to Ivan Albright's captivating magic realist portraits of elders, Tillie Olsen's poignant writings on the aging female worker, and the surrealistic works created by Charles Henri Ford and his caregiver Indra Bahadur Tamang at the Dakota apartment building in New York City. These diverse artistic expressions offer a fresh perspective on aging and challenge traditional notions of literary creativity, the depiction of old age, and the boundaries of modernism.

Aging Moderns is a groundbreaking work that unites new modernist studies, American studies, disability studies, and critical age studies. It presents previously unpublished experimental art and writing, offering a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book rethinks assumptions about literary creativity, the portrayal of old age, and the evolving boundaries of modernism.

In conclusion, Aging Moderns is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of artistic expression and the transformative power of creativity in later life. Scott Herring's insightful portraits and interdisciplinary approach shed light on the remarkable contributions of these writers and artists, challenging our perceptions of aging and inspiring us to embrace the beauty and diversity of artistic expression at every stage of life.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205450