The End of the Art World

The most significant change in the art world over the past two decades has not been in the evolution of a new style or movement but in the ways in which art is promoted and marketed. In his latest work, acclaimed critic, curator, and historian Robert C. Morgan examines the separation of the art world from the notion of art as a unique form of creative expression. He argues that the boundary between contemporary art and popular trends in fashion, media, and entertainment is growing increasingly thin, and calls for a return to aesthetics and to an inner-directedness in art as distinct from a market driven art world. A frank and authoritative collection of art criticism from one of the leading thinkers in the field, The End of the Art World takes a position outside of established views, balancing aesthetic issues with a provocative critique of the socio-economics of recent art. It presents a stimulating combination of intelligent analysis, emotional response, and outspoken commentary for anyone interested in the current critical discourse in art and culture. Chapters include: "The Delta of Modernism," "The Status of Kitsch," "The Plight of Art Criticism," "Art Outside the Museum," "Where Spectacle Meets Art," "West Chelsea: An Experiment in Attitudes and Architecture," and "After the Deluge: The Return of the Inner-Directed Artist." Artists featured: Nancy Grossman, Sang Nam Lee, Gilbert and George, Carolee Schneemann, Bruce Connor, Robert Rauschenberg, Nancy Graves, Bill Viola, Kevin Clarke, Michael Bramwell, and Philip Glass.