Description
Book Synopsis: In Museum Skepticism, art historian David Carrier traces the birth, evolution, and decline of the public art museum as an institution meant to spark democratic debate and discussion. Carrier contends that since the inception of the public art museum during the French Revolution, its development has depended on growth: on the expansion of collections, particularly to include works representing non-European cultures, and on the proliferation of art museums around the globe. Arguing that this expansionist project has peaked, he asserts that art museums must now find new ways of making high art relevant to contemporary lives. Ideas and inspiration may be found, he suggests, in mass entertainment such as popular music and movies.
Carrier illuminates the public role of art museums by describing the ways they influence how art is seen: through their architecture, their collections, the narratives they offer museum visitors. He insists that an understanding of the art museum must take into account the roles of collectors, curators, and museum architects. Toward that end, he offers a series of case studies, showing how particular museums and their collections evolved. Among those who figure prominently are Baron Dominique Vivant Denon, the first director of the Louvre; Bernard Berenson, whose connoisseurship helped Isabella Stewart Gardner found her museum in Boston; Ernest Fenollosa, who assembled much of the Asian art collection now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Albert Barnes, the distinguished collector of modernist painting; and Richard Meier, architect of the J. Paul Getty Center in Los Angeles. Carrier’s learned consideration of what the art museum is and has been provides the basis for understanding the radical transformation of its public role now under way.
Details
Are you fascinated by the world of art and its evolution throughout history? If so, you won't want to miss out on Museum Skepticism: A History of the Display of Art in Public Galleries. In this captivating book, renowned art historian David Carrier takes you on a journey through the birth, growth, and decline of the public art museum as a platform for democratic debate and discussion.
Carrier skillfully argues that, with the expansion and proliferation of art museums worldwide, it's now crucial for these institutions to discover fresh ways of connecting high art with contemporary lives. He suggests finding inspiration in mass entertainment mediums like popular music and movies. By incorporating these elements, art museums can make a profound impact on how we perceive and appreciate art today.
Delving into the intricate dynamics of art museums, Carrier examines the influence of architecture, collections, and narratives on our experience as museum visitors. Unlocking the museum's hidden layers, he unveils the significant roles played by collectors, curators, and museum architects. Through insightful case studies, including the Louvre, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the J. Paul Getty Center in Los Angeles, Carrier vividly portrays the evolution and impact of these influential institutions.
Discover the transformative power of the art museum and gain a deeper understanding of its ever-evolving public role. Expand your knowledge and appreciation for art with Museum Skepticism. Spark your imagination and embrace the changes happening in the world of high art today. Get your copy now and embark on a journey that challenges traditional conventions and paves the way for a new era of artistic relevance.
Click here to grab your copy of Museum Skepticism and immerse yourself in a captivating exploration of the art world's past, present, and future.
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