The Aesthetics of Self-Becoming: How Art Forms Empower

Paul Crowther's book argues that art involves an aesthetics of self-becoming and that the great political task in aesthetics is to win back art and aesthetics as central societal concerns. He discusses the ontology of pictorial art, sculpture, installation and assemblage works, architecture, literature, cinema, and music to show how art empowers through its revelation of new possibilities of experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound realm of art, unveiling an aesthetics of self-becoming that goes beyond mere consumption of artistic meaning. It empowers us to adapt and transform ourselves in response to the unique possibilities offered by various art forms. Paul Crowther, in his insightful arguments, challenges the notion that aesthetics should solely be confined to the creation of political art. Instead, he advocates for the reclamation of art and aesthetics as vital societal concerns. This entails a rejection of the neo-liberal treatment of art as a mere commodity and the misguided attitudes that dismiss it as the product of dead white European males.

The book begins with a foundational theory of self-consciousness, which underscores the essential role played by the aesthetic in shaping our personal identities. It then highlights the empowering effects of art through its processes of creation and the distinct aesthetic effects that characterize each art form. Crowther takes us on a comprehensive exploration of pictorial art, sculpture, installation, assemblage works, architecture, literature, cinema, and music, examining their ontologies and discussing their profound impact.

Through in-depth discussions of specific artworks, Crowther supports his arguments with compelling evidence. The book's overarching effect is to reorientate aesthetics by demonstrating how art empowers us through its revelation of new possibilities of experience. This thought-provoking work will captivate philosophers of art and aesthetics, as well as scholars in art history, literary studies, film studies, and music theory who are eager to delve into the book's central concerns.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032093437