Andre Malraux and Art: An Intellectual Revolution

André Malraux's theory of art is explored, which challenges traditional explanations and offers a coherent and illuminating perspective. It provides a new way of understanding art that is an intellectual revolution.

Format: Hardback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate and profound theory of art developed by the renowned French philosopher André Malraux. Drawing upon his seminal works, including "The Voices of Silence" and "The Metamorphosis of the Gods," the study offers a step-by-step exploration of key topics such as the nature of artistic creation, the psychology of our artistic response, the emergence of art itself, its transformation after the works of Manet, the concept of beauty, the neglected relationship between art and the passage of time, the birth of our first universal world of art, the contemporary role of art museums and the musée imaginaire, and the contentious debate surrounding the relationship between art and history.

In response to negative critiques from writers like Maurice Merleau-Ponty and E. H. Gombrich, the study presents a robust defense of Malraux's theory of art, asserting that it is coherent and profoundly illuminating. Moreover, the analysis reveals that Malraux poses a radical challenge to the traditional explanations of art inherited from the Enlightenment that have dominated Western thinking for centuries. In essence, this study unveils a transformative way of understanding art that constitutes an intellectual revolution.

The study begins by examining the nature of artistic creation, exploring the processes and mechanisms that drive artists to produce their works. It delves into the psychological aspects of our response to art, examining how our emotions, thoughts, and experiences shape our interpretation and appreciation of artistic creations. The study also explores the historical development of art, tracing its evolution from primitive forms to the contemporary world of art.

One of the central themes of Malraux's theory is the concept of the "artistic object." According to him, an artistic object is not merely a physical object but a complex entity that encompasses both the material and the spiritual aspects of existence. Malraux argues that artistic objects possess a unique power to evoke emotions and provoke thought, transcending the boundaries of language and culture.

Another important aspect of Malraux's theory is the notion of the "artistic gesture." He defines an artistic gesture as a deliberate act that creates a new meaning or significance in the world. Malraux believes that artistic gestures are essential for the birth and transformation of art, as they challenge the existing order and introduce new possibilities for interpretation.

The study also examines the birth and death of the idea of beauty, exploring the changing perceptions and ideals of beauty throughout history. It explores the various aesthetic movements and styles that have emerged throughout history, from the Renaissance to the present day, and examines how they have influenced the development of art.

Malraux's theory also addresses the neglected relationship between art and the passage of time. He argues that art is not merely a static entity but a dynamic force that responds to the changing conditions of the world. Malraux believes that art has the power to capture the essence of time and preserve it for future generations, allowing us to connect with our past and understand our present.

The study also explores the emergence of our first universal world of art, a world in which art is not limited by national or cultural boundaries. Malraux argues that the emergence of this universal world of art is a result of the globalization of culture and the increasing interconnectedness of the world. He believes that the universal world of art offers a new perspective on the world and provides a means of understanding and appreciating the diversity of human experience.

In conclusion, this comprehensive study provides a deep and insightful exploration of André Malraux's theory of art. Drawing upon his major works, the study offers a step-by-step explanation of key topics such as the nature of artistic creation, the psychology of our artistic response, the emergence of art itself, its transformation after the works of Manet, the concept of beauty, the neglected relationship between art and the passage of time, the birth of our first universal world of art, the contemporary role of art museums and the musée imaginaire, and the contentious debate surrounding the relationship between art and history.

Through its rigorous analysis, the study demonstrates that Malraux's theory of art is coherent, illuminating, and profoundly challenging to the traditional explanations of art inherited from the Enlightenment. It unveils a transformative way of understanding art that constitutes an intellectual revolution, offering a new perspective on the world and providing a means of understanding and appreciating the diversity of human experience.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433180460
Edition number: New ed