Being Object. Being Art

ISBN 10: 3803033381 / ISBN 13: 9783803033383

Published by Wasmuth, 2009

About this Item

Masterpieces from the Collections of the Museum of World Cultures Frankfurt/Main. Edited by Achim Sibeth. Photography by Stephan Beckers. Translation: Wendy Wallis. Published in conjunction with the correspondent Exhibition, October 31, 2009 - October 31, 2010. Cultures contribute to the richness of this world through their uniqueness and variety - as do their material products. This is reflected in the ethnographic collections from Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Oceania and East Asia at the Museum of World Cultures in Frankfurt am Main. Using exceptional photographs, 130 works are presented from a total of approximately 67,000 objects in the museum?s collection. Based on their own individual and subjective points of view, the authors have selected particularly unusual 'ethnographica,' everyday objects or ritual items from an abundance of mostly similar objects made by indigenous societies. The objects in this volume are not only elucidated in their ethnological contexts, but are simultaneously described and interpreted as works of art. They are purposefully represented here as products of indigenous aesthetics and indigenous creative work to guide the attention of Western viewers to the artistic qualities of ethnographica. In order to better understand these works of art, the authors question the environment in which a work was created and which ideas about color, form, symmetry, balance, etc., might have influenced their artists. The common goal is to present what it is about these works that are exceptional, elaborate, other, perfect or in fact imperfect, harmonious or disturbing. However, the significance of an object is not invariably determined by its original heritage and purpose. Ideas and thoughts associated with an object also alter with a change of viewers and owners. Consequently, the effect of a work of art can only be comprehended within the analysis of aesthetic ideas and a prior knowledge by its respective viewers. Here, the various aesthetic concepts of indigenous and Western societies collide and ideally will lead to reactions that mediate between the differing perspectives. 323 Seiten mit 210 Farbabb., gebunden (Museum der Weltkulturen/Wasmuth Verlag 2009). Früher EUR 49,80. Gewicht: 1946 g - Gebunden/Gebundene Ausgabe.

Seller Inventory # 59846

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Being Object. Being Art
• Publisher: Wasmuth
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3803033381
• ISBN 13: 9783803033383
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Neu
• Weight: 1946 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Außereuropäische Kunst
  • Ethnologie

About this title

Synopsis

A reexamination of the classifications of "ethnic” art and artifacts

Undermining the anthropological designations of “ethnic artifacts” and “ethnic art,” this survey of the massive collections of the Museum of World Cultures in Frankfurt approaches 130 of its works as both art and artifact simultaneously, raising aesthetic matters of form and color alongside contextual considerations. Masks, clubs, fans, spoons, tusks, dolls, necklaces, baskets, shields, cups, bags, headdresses and sculptures from countries in Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Oceania and East Asia are all reproduced here, in full color and with contextualizing commentary. As debate on the status of ethnic artifacts continues to expand, with Being Object the Museum of World Cultures takes the lead among institutions in attempting to reorient the taxonomies of its collections.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

"It is very hard for smaller, mostly non-competitive societies to claim their place in the 'worldmarket of cultures.' The presentation of ethnographic objects as 'art' makes it easier for the Western viewer to gain access to the hidden aspects of smaller societies, such as their philosophies, their religious beliefs, or their aesthetics. 'Masterpieces' let dignity shine through the oft-neglected cultures. In the worldwide competitive fight around the export of goods, many indigenous groups have only their art it is an area in which the individual, the special, indeed that which is different than universal trends and fashions obtains and preserves its own inherent values. In every form of art, whether it is expressed in language, music and movement or through the processing of materials, the individuals, families, clans and village communities of indigenous societies have proven themselves to be true 'masters.'"

Eva Ch. Raabe, Mona B. Suhrbier, Christine Stelzig, Achim Sibeth, excerpted from Art and Context in Being Object, Being Art.