The Transformation of the Avant-Garde: The New York Art World, 1940-1985 - Softcover

Crane, Diana

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226117901 ISBN 13: 9780226117904

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1989

Synopsis

With the rise of Abstract Expressionism, New York City became the acknowledged center of the avant-garde. Diana Crane documents the transformation of the New York art world between 1940 and 1985, both in the artistic styles that emerged during this period and the expansion of the number and types of institutions that purchased and displayed various works.

Crane's account is built around discussions of seven styles: Abstract Expressionism in the forties; Pop art and Minimalism in the sixties; Figurative painting, Photorealism, and Pattern painting in the early seventies; and Neo-Expressionism in the early eighties. Demonstrating that the New York art world moved toward increasing acceptance of dominant American cultural trends, Crane offers a fascinating look not only at the intricacies of New York's artistic inner circle but also at the sociology of work and professions, the economics of culture markets such as "dealing art," and the sociology of culture.

About this title

About the Author

Diana Crane is a professor of sociology at the University of Pennsylvania.

From the Back Cover

With the rise of Abstract Expressionism, New York City became the acknowledged center of the avant-garde. Diana Crane documents the transformation of the New York art world between 1940 and 1985, both in the artistic styles that emerged during this period and the expansion of the number and types of institutions that purchased and displayed various works.

Reviews

In this "quietly devastating survey," Crane posits that most postwar avant-garde U.S. artists have redefined the content or techniques of art while creating works devoid of meaning. "Despite its academic prose, this useful, disturbing study will reward anyone concerned with modern art," stated PW. Illustrated.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0226117901
• ISBN 13: 9780226117904
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 204