China Pluperfect: Volume 1Epistemology of Past and Outside in Chinese Art

This book examines how Chinese and Euro?American art theory evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries,leading to increased contact and the creation of intertwined cultures. It highlights how past and outside elements can be integrated into new artistic constructs, such as contemporary Chinese calligraphy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: The Chinese University Press

This book delves into the intricate interplay between Chinese and Euro?American art theory during the 18th and 19th centuries, offering a comprehensive exploration of their respective perspectives on their own past and the outside world. Initially rooted in a comparative study, it sheds light on how these cultures perceived and adapted elements that did not align with their cultural sphere, ultimately shaping the evolution of their cultural constructs.

While the 17th century marked a period of significant epistemological differences between the two civilizations, the 18th century witnessed profound changes that paved the way for dialogue. Initially manifesting in the decorative arts, this process of rapprochement unfolded in a chaotic and unpredictable manner, leading to wider and more profound zones of contact throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. Through the reinterpretations of each other's cultural creations, these zones of contact expanded, fueled by the growing prevalence of globalization.

In his insightful analysis, Frank Vigneron employs both textual and visual arts to unravel these transformations. He highlights how these two civilizations, while maintaining their unique characteristics, managed to engage in fruitful dialogues and cultivate deeply intertwined cultures. As an example, the final chapter examines contemporary Chinese calligraphy as an art form that successfully integrated cross-cultural theoretical elements, exemplifying how the past and outside can coalesce into new artistic expressions.

This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts interested in exploring the complex relationship between Chinese and Euro?American art theory, shedding light on the historical, cultural, and artistic exchanges that have shaped these two civilizations. It provides a rich tapestry of insights that deepen our understanding of the world and encourage us to embrace the beauty of cultural diversity.

Dimension: 24 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789882372467