Shiny Things: Reflective Surfaces and Their Mixed Meanings

Shiny Things explores the meanings and functions of shininess in art and culture, examining its contradictions of preciousness and superficiality, its complexities of representation, and its physical and metaphorical presence in the construction of major conceptual categories. It engages primarily with visual art, making frequent use of material culture, advertising, film, literature, and other areas of popular and political culture. The book appeals to academics, scholars, and students with an interest in contemporary theory and material and popular cultures, as well as to more general readers with an interest in popular and material cultures, art, and aesthetics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Intellect Books

Shiny Things is a captivating exploration that seamlessly blends an avid interest in visual art with a broad appreciation for popular culture. Its remarkable breadth is truly remarkable, showcasing a vast range of subjects. It goes beyond mere expansion of subject matter, as seen in many contemporary books, to delve into the profound ways in which a specific physical property manifests itself across art and culture as a whole. By undertaking an in-depth analysis and engaging in spirited debates, Shiny Things contributes to a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.

While the text is accessible and engaging, it is also carefully crafted with a thoughtful application of contemporary theory. This book appeals to progressive thinkers who are eager to explore new and innovative ways of presenting ideas. It stands as scholarship that breaks free from stale thought and engages with philosophical ideas in real-time, displaying a versatility that can sometimes be lacking in traditional academic pursuits.

Through the use of art, particularly contemporary art, as a recurring point of reference, the authors argue that the concept of shininess has undergone a significant transformation. In the past, the rarity of shiny things bestowed upon them a direct association with power and transcendence. However, in today's world, shininess has permeated every aspect of our existence. It serves as the foundation of consumer culture, shaping our architecture, perceptions of the body, and the production of spectacle.

The authors explore the multifaceted meanings and functions of shininess in art and culture, delving into its contradictions of both preciousness and superficiality. They examine the complexities of representation, highlighting how shininess physically and metaphorically manifests itself in the construction of major conceptual categories such as hygiene, utopias, the sublime, and camp. Furthermore, they investigate the profound emotional effects rooted in shininess, tracing their origins to its inherent qualities of fascination, novelty, and cleanliness.

In conclusion, Shiny Things is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration that offers a fresh perspective on the role of shininess in art and culture. It challenges our assumptions and encourages us to reevaluate our understanding of the world. Through its meticulous scholarship and engaging writing style, this book appeals to a wide range of readers, including artists, scholars, and anyone with an interest in the intersection of visual art and popular culture.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 151 x 209 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789383782
Edition number: New ed