Global Objects: Toward a Connected Art History

Global Objects is a bold reorientation of art history that bridges the divide between fine art and material culture by examining objects and their uses. It challenges preconceived ideas about what is and is not art by exploring a broad array of functional aesthetic objects that transcend geographic and temporal boundaries. Edward Cooke emphasizes multiple centers of art production and traces the social lives of objects from creation to purchase and from use to experienced meaning, charting exciting new directions in art history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Art history is frequently studied through cultural or national lenses, which categorize some works as fine art while relegating others to the realm of craft. Edward Cooke's book, Global Objects, offers a fresh perspective on art history by examining a wide range of functional and aesthetically pleasing objects that transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. It challenges preconceived notions about what constitutes art and proposes an interconnected history of art. Cooke avoids traditional binaries such as East versus West and fine art versus decorative art. Instead, he focuses on the production, consumption, and circulation of objects made from clay, fiber, wood, and nonferrous base metals. He carefully considers the materials and processes involved in object-making, as well as the connections between process, product, and people. By examining the impact of objects on those who look at, use, and acquire them, Cooke demonstrates how objects retain aspects of their local fabrication while absorbing additional meanings in subtle and unexpected ways as they move through space and time. In emphasizing multiple centers of art production amidst constantly changing contexts, Cooke moves beyond regional histories driven by geography, nation-state, time period, or medium.

Global Objects is beautifully illustrated and provides a comprehensive tracing of the social lives of objects from their creation to purchase, and from use to experienced meaning. It offers exciting new directions in art history by exploring the relationships between objects, people, and their environments. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of art and material culture.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691184739