la historia del arte | Exploring Clement Greenberg

Exploring Clement Greenberg - the Critic You Love to Hate.

Clement Greenberg (1909-1994) was a highly influential art historian and critic. His studies focused on the idea of “modernism,” the “avant-garde,” and “kitsch.” Although his commentary on these subjects became well-known after many of the works and artists he used for discussion had passed their public debuts, Greenbergian theories remain[ed] very prevalent within scholarly discourse. Most of his theories are based on Marxist thought, so a minimalist and abstracted artistic style was the epitome of modernism and fine art, in his opinion. Clement Greenberg’s controversial (and pretentious) views on such subjects caused generations of famous and infamous artists to react and respond to his theories, the time-line of which is TRULY inspiring. Although Greenberg was a pretentious art critic who pissed a lot of people off, in which most of the popular images of critics are based upon, if you have the chance to read any of his works, it is worth considering. His essays inspired most art historical movements including and following Jackson Pollock’s famous Abstract Expressionism era. Clement Greenberg LOVED Jackson Pollock, and his commentary and criticisms of Pollock’s abstract paintings are what caused Pollock to be dubbed the “Great[est] American Artist.” Again, this pissed a lot of artists off, because although Greenberg’s theories were based in Marxist thought, which encouraged the elimination of hierarchies, his generalizations proved to be somewhat problematic when applied to the art world. Here are some links to interesting information about Clement Greenberg. Enjoy, explore, and become inspired!

Clement Greenberg on Wikipedia. (basic info, of course)

Avant-Garde and Kitsch by Clement Greenberg (1939). (this is Greenberg’s most famous article, which attempts to separate the modernist movement from certain works he viewed as mere works of “kitsch.” Even more so, Clement Greenberg clearly defines his idea of modernism, and the difference between avant-gardism and modernity. This article goes deep, and can be difficult to read, but if you are truly interested in exploring the world of art history, it is essential for your scholarly repertoire.)

A more in-depth profile of our beloved little Greenberg. (thanks to artstory.org)

Here’s a list of artists who were famous for challenging and reacting to Greenbergian critical theory - again, this is a fascinating list of people to study, but it doesn’t even begin to cover everyone:

Jackson Pollock (La Historia del Arte)

Lee Krasner (LHDA - Female Abstract Expressionist)

Robert Rauschenberg (PBS Profile) [My favorite Rauschenberg piece.] [My other favorite.]

John Cage (PBS Profile) [An American Composer, famous for creating 4’33”]

Jasper Johns (PBS Profile) [LHDA - Jasper Johns,Target with Plaster Casts]

Frank Stella (LHDA - Minimalist)

George Baselitz (LHDA and iheartmyart reblog)

Joseph Kosuth (LHDA - representation vs. symbolism)

Andy Warhol (LHDA - Pop Artist)

Eduardo Paolozzi (LHDA - Pop Artist)

James Rosenquist (LHDA - Pop Artist)

Miriam Schapiro (LHDA - Feminist Artist/Collage/Craft Artist)