Summary
Claire Bishop's "Installation Art: A Critical History" argues that installation art can be categorized by the type of physical experience it offers viewers, given its requirement for physical entry into the artwork. This examination spans from 1950 to the present, employing case studies of significant artists and individual works to analyze methodologies and relevant critical theory. Bishop revises and re-assesses prominent figures in the field while also introducing emerging artists.
The book offers a critical history and examination of installation art, detailing how artists' methods and the theoretical underpinnings of their work create distinct audience experiences. Through its analysis, readers gain insight into a broad range of artists and their specific contributions to the genre, moving beyond established narratives to understand the diverse and evolving landscape of installation art.
Key concepts
- Physical entry into the artwork — The defining characteristic of installation art that necessitates audience physical presence for experience.
- Type of experience provided for the viewing subject — A categorization method for installation art based on the specific physical and sensory engagements offered to the audience.
- Case studies of significant artists and individual works — Methodological approach used to analyze and understand installation art through concrete examples.
- Critical theory that informed their work — Examination of the intellectual and theoretical frameworks influencing installation artists.
From the book
Description: "Installation Art provides both a history and a full critical examination of this challenging area of contemporary art, from 1950 to the present day. Using case studies of significant artists and individual works. Claire Bishop argues that, as installation art requires its audience to physically enter the artwork in order to experience it, installation pieces can be categorised by the type of experience they provide for the viewing subject. As well as exploring the methodologies of the artists examined, Bishop also explains the critical theory that informed their work. While revising and in some cases, re-assessing many well-known names, this fully illustrated book will introduce the reader to a wide spectrum of younger artists, some yet to receive critical attention."--BOOK…