Art in Theory 1900 - 2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas Summary & Key Insights

"Art in Theory 1900-2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas," edited by Charles Harrison and Paul Wood, isn't a narrative with a plot in the traditional sense. Instead, it's a chronologically organized collection of texts that trace the evolution of artistic theory and practice over the 20th century. The "characters" are the theorists, artists, and critics whose writings shape our understanding of art during this period, not fictional personalities.

The anthology's overarching theme is the radical transformation of art's conceptual landscape. It moves from the lingering echoes of late 19th-century modernism (represented by early texts from figures like Wassily Kandinsky and Clement Greenberg) through the upheavals of the avant-garde movements (Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism), and culminates in the complex debates surrounding postmodernism and its aftermath.

Early sections highlight the search for new forms of expression and the dismantling of traditional artistic hierarchies. Kandinsky's spiritual explorations and Greenberg's formalist critiques exemplify this early phase. The anthology then traces the impact of societal shifts and political upheavals on art, showcasing the rise of Dada's anti-art stance (Hugo Ball, Tristan Tzara), Surrealism's exploration of the unconscious (André Breton), and the social engagement of socialist realism. The influence of psychoanalysis and Marxist thought on artistic theory is a recurring motif.

The mid-20th century sections feature the dominance of Abstract Expressionism, with its emphasis on individual expression and gestural abstraction (texts by Harold Rosenberg and Clement Greenberg again feature prominently). However, the anthology also acknowledges critiques of this dominant paradigm, highlighting the emergence of Pop Art (texts by Andy Warhol and others) and its challenge to the high-low art distinctions.

The latter half of the book delves into the complexities of postmodernism. This section grapples with the challenges to grand narratives, the rise of conceptual art, and the increasing intertwining of art with media and technology. The work of thinkers like Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, and Roland Barthes are included, illustrating the impact of post-structuralist thought on art theory. The debate around appropriation, authorship, and the death of the author are central to this section. The anthology also includes texts reflecting on the challenges of identity politics and feminist critiques within the art world.

Ultimately, "Art in Theory 1900-2000" isn't a narrative with a single resolution. Instead, it offers a rich and multifaceted exploration of the ever-shifting terrain of artistic discourse, demonstrating the continuous negotiation between artistic innovation, theoretical frameworks, and socio-political contexts. The anthology's strength lies in its presentation of diverse voices and perspectives, illustrating the ongoing and often contradictory debates that have shaped our understanding of art in the 20th century.