Art in progress: a philosophical response to the end of the avant-garde

Detailed Summary of the Book

"Art in Progress" embarks on an intellectual journey delving into the evolution, culmination, and consequential fading of the avant-garde as a cultural movement. Doorman provides a historical recount of the avant-garde, tracing its origins to the burgeoning modernist throes of the early 20th century. Here, art had the invigorating mission of societal advancement and individual expression beyond conventional norms.

However, the book argues that the avant-garde reached an impasse—its radicalism was co-opted by mainstream culture, and its rebellious spirit diluted. Doorman explores how contemporary art has shifted from striving for originality to recycling and reinterpreting past forms, thus questioning the concepts of progress and originality profoundly.

Doorman ponders whether true innovation can still occur in art or if repetition has become the inevitable standard. By interrogating the intrinsic value of progress and creativity, the book challenges us to rethink what art should contribute to modern society in a post-avant-garde era.

Key Takeaways

• The avant-garde's quest for original art is increasingly challenged by a culture of repetition and pastiche.
• Contemporary art often blurs the boundaries between high and low culture, creating new avenues for interpretation.
• The concept of art as a vehicle for social and political change is both questioned and affirmed in a post-avant-garde context.
• Innovation in art may not lie in novel form but in the fresh assemblage and reinterpretation of existing forms.
• The book encourages an ongoing dialogue about the purpose and potential of art in the modern era.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"The death of the avant-garde is not the death of innovation, but a call to reimagine the paths to novelty."

"To progress in art, we must learn to cherish not just the unprecedented, but the unexpectedly familiar."

"The ripples of the past find their way into the present, questioning the very tenets of artistic progress."

Why This Book Matters

In a world where art is incessantly consumed and reproduced, "Art in Progress" offers a vital philosophical lens to examine these phenomena. Doorman navigates the intersection of art, culture, and philosophy, inviting readers to reflect on the notion of progress in an age where the boundaries of originality are continually contested.

This book is important not only for art theorists and philosophers but also for practitioners and general enthusiasts who perceive art as a medium of profound connection and societal commentary. It provides an opportunity to engage deeply with the questions surrounding what it means to create in a world that's both novel and familiar.

Ultimately, "Art in Progress" is a clarion call to nurture a collective consciousness that honors the rich complexity of art's progress beyond mere historicism, ensuring its potency and relevance in shaping human experience and societal structures.