The Concept of the Animal and Modern Theories of Art

This book explores the significance of animals in modern art theory through a theoretical account of the connections between art and animality in the modern age. It spans various disciplines and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of animals in nineteenth and twentieth-century art.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound significance of animals in modern art theory, employing a rich tapestry of classic texts from modern aesthetics and insightful writings by contemporary artists to explore the profound influence of the human-animal relationship on nineteenth and twentieth-century artists and art theorists. What sets this work apart is its unique focus on the concept of the animal itself, rather than merely depicting animal images, and its unwavering pursuit of a theoretical understanding of the intricate connections between art and animality in the modern era. Spanning a wide range of disciplines, including art theory, art history, animal studies, modernism, postmodernism, posthumanism, philosophy, and aesthetics, Roni Gréns book offers a comprehensive exploration of this captivating subject matter.

In the opening chapter, the author establishes a foundational framework for their study, exploring the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the human-animal relationship throughout history. They examine the ways in which animals have been both revered and feared, symbolized and commodified, and how these complex dynamics have influenced the artistic imagination. Through a close reading of seminal texts by figures such as Kant, Heidegger, and Derrida, the author highlights the ways in which the animal has been conceptualized as both a subject and an object, and how this dualistic perspective has shaped artistic representations of animals.

The second chapter delves into the rich tapestry of artistic expressions that have been inspired by the animal. The author showcases a diverse range of works, from early Renaissance paintings that depict mythical creatures to contemporary installations that explore the boundaries between human and animal bodies. They analyze the ways in which artists have used animals as symbols of power, beauty, vulnerability, and other complex emotions, and how these artistic representations have contributed to our understanding of the animal and its place in the human world.

In the third chapter, the author examines the role of the animal in contemporary art theory. They explore the ways in which artists and art theorists have responded to the increasing complexity of the human-animal relationship, and how the animal has become a symbol of both resistance and resilience in the face of environmental and social challenges. The author discusses the concept of "animalism" as a mode of artistic expression that seeks to re-establish a sense of connection between humans and animals, and how this movement has influenced the development of new artistic practices and modes of thinking.

The fourth chapter explores the ethical and philosophical dimensions of the animal-human relationship. The author examines the ways in which animals are treated in contemporary society, and how these practices have shaped our understanding of our place in the natural world. They discuss the concept of "speciesism" as a form of discrimination that privileges human interests over the interests of other species, and how this perspective has led to the exploitation and abuse of animals. The author also explores the ethical implications of using animals in artistic practice, and how artists can navigate the complex ethical dilemmas that arise when working with animals.

In the final chapter, the author reflects on the broader the significance of the animal in modern art theory. They argue that the animal has become a powerful tool for artists and art theorists to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of the human experience, and to challenge the boundaries between human and animal identities. They suggest that the animal has the potential to inspire a new sense of empathy and compassion towards other species, and to promote a more sustainable and ethical relationship between humans and the natural world.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the profound significance of the animal in modern art theory. Through a rich blend of historical analysis, artistic exploration, and philosophical reflection, the author offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of the ways in which the human-animal relationship has shaped the artistic imagination and contributed to our understanding of the animal and its place in the human world. This book will be of interest to scholars and students of art history, animal studies, philosophy, and aesthetics, as well as anyone who is passionate about the intersection of art and culture.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032339535