The Transfiguration of the Commonplace⁚ A Philosophy of Art
Arthur C. Danto’s groundbreaking book, “The Transfiguration of the Commonplace⁚ A Philosophy of Art,” explores the transformative power of art in elevating everyday objects to the realm of aesthetic significance. Danto argues that the art world has reached a point where the distinction between art and non-art has become blurred, leading to a situation where ordinary objects, such as a brick or a can of soup, can be considered works of art. This philosophical concept, known as the “transfiguration of the commonplace,” challenges traditional notions of art and invites us to reconsider the nature of beauty, meaning, and artistic expression.
Arthur C. Danto’s Groundbreaking Work
Arthur C. Danto’s “The Transfiguration of the Commonplace⁚ A Philosophy of Art” is a seminal work that revolutionized the way we think about art. Published in 1981, the book is widely considered to be one of the most important works of philosophical aesthetics of the 20th century. Danto’s central argument is that the very nature of art has changed in the 20th century due to the emergence of conceptual art, which often uses ordinary objects as its subject matter. He argues that the concept of art itself has transcended the traditional boundaries of art, and it is no longer bound by the limitations of representation or realism. Danto’s work is a significant contribution to the philosophy of art because it challenges traditional aesthetic theories and provides a new way of understanding the relationship between art, the world, and our perception of both. The book is a complex and challenging work, but it is also deeply rewarding and thought-provoking. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy of art, aesthetics, or the nature of creativity.
The Essence of Danto’s Argument
At the heart of Danto’s argument lies the notion that art is not simply a matter of making things that are beautiful or representational. Instead, he argues that art is a social and historical construct, shaped by the context in which it is created and interpreted. He uses the example of Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes, which are essentially replicas of commercially produced boxes of Brillo soap pads. These boxes are not inherently artistic, but they become art because they are presented in a gallery setting and are imbued with meaning by the art world. Danto contends that the “artworld” plays a crucial role in determining what is considered art. This means that an object can only be considered art if it is presented and interpreted as such within the context of the artworld. This concept challenges traditional notions of art, which often focus on the intrinsic qualities of the object itself. Instead, Danto suggests that the meaning and value of art are determined by the context in which it is experienced.
The Importance of the Artworld
Danto’s theory places significant emphasis on the “artworld” as the defining force in determining what constitutes art. He argues that the artworld is a complex network of institutions, individuals, and practices that shape our understanding of art. This includes art critics, museums, galleries, collectors, and the broader cultural context in which art is produced and consumed. The artworld, according to Danto, functions as a kind of “language game,” where shared meanings and conventions are established through the ongoing dialogue between artists, critics, and the public. These conventions, often implicit and evolving, determine what is considered art and what is not. This means that an object, even one that is indistinguishable from a commonplace object, can become art through its inclusion in the artworld’s discourse and its interpretation by those within it. The artworld, therefore, plays a crucial role in mediating our understanding of art and shaping our perception of the everyday.
The Role of Ordinary Objects in Art
Danto’s “transfiguration of the commonplace” challenges the traditional view that art must be distinct from everyday objects. He argues that the very act of selecting an ordinary object, such as a brick or a soup can, and presenting it as art transforms its meaning and significance. This transformation is not merely a matter of physical alteration, but rather a shift in our perception and understanding. When a commonplace object is elevated to the status of art, it is no longer simply a utilitarian object, but becomes a symbol, a vehicle for expressing ideas, emotions, or a critique of society. The artist, in this context, becomes a “magician” who re-enchants the ordinary by imbuing it with artistic meaning. This re-enchantment can be achieved through various means, such as context, display, or the artist’s intention, which elevate the object beyond its mundane function.
The Transfiguration of the Commonplace in Contemporary Art
The concept of the “transfiguration of the commonplace” has had a profound impact on contemporary art. Artists such as Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp, and Jeff Koons have embraced the idea that ordinary objects can be transformed into art by virtue of their selection, presentation, and the artist’s intention. Warhol’s iconic “Campbell’s Soup Cans” series exemplifies this concept, elevating a mundane everyday product to the status of a celebrated work of art. Duchamp’s “Fountain,” a urinal presented as a sculpture, further challenges traditional notions of art by questioning the very definition of what constitutes an art object. These artists, along with many others, have pushed the boundaries of artistic expression by embracing the ordinary and finding beauty and meaning in the seemingly mundane. This embrace of the everyday has led to a diversification of art forms and a broader understanding of what constitutes artistic expression.
Danto’s Influence on Aesthetics
Danto’s work has profoundly influenced the field of aesthetics, sparking debates and shaping contemporary philosophical thought on art. His concept of the “transfiguration of the commonplace” has challenged traditional theories of art, leading to new ways of understanding beauty, meaning, and the nature of artistic experience. Danto’s ideas have contributed to a more inclusive and expansive understanding of art, one that embraces the everyday and the ordinary. His work has also encouraged scholars to consider the role of context and interpretation in the creation and appreciation of art, recognizing that the meaning of an artwork is not inherent but rather emerges through the interaction between the object, the artist, and the viewer. Danto’s influence continues to be felt in the ongoing dialogue within the field of aesthetics, as scholars continue to explore the implications of his groundbreaking ideas.
The Transfiguration of the Commonplace in Literature
The transfiguration of the commonplace finds a compelling expression in literature, where writers often elevate the mundane and everyday into realms of profound meaning and artistic significance. By imbuing ordinary objects, experiences, and language with symbolic depth, literary works transform the familiar into something extraordinary. The act of reading itself becomes a process of transfiguration, as the reader’s imagination engages with the text and brings the writer’s vision to life. From the seemingly insignificant details of daily life to the universal themes of love, loss, and human experience, literature demonstrates the transformative power of art to elevate the commonplace and imbue it with new meaning. This ability to transfigure the ordinary into something extraordinary is what makes literature such a potent and enduring form of art.
The Transfiguration of the Commonplace in Film
The art of filmmaking has long been a master of the transfiguration of the commonplace. By capturing the mundane and everyday through the lens, filmmakers transform the familiar into something captivating and evocative. From the intimate details of daily life to the grand landscapes of the natural world, film has the power to elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary. Through the skillful use of cinematic techniques such as lighting, composition, and editing, filmmakers can imbue even the most commonplace objects and events with a sense of beauty, meaning, and emotional resonance. Whether it’s a fleeting glance, a simple gesture, or a seemingly insignificant object, film can transform these elements into powerful symbols that resonate with the viewer on a profound level. The transfiguration of the commonplace in film allows us to see the world anew, to appreciate the beauty and significance in the everyday, and to connect with the shared human experience on a deeper level.
The Transfiguration of the Commonplace in Music
The transfiguration of the commonplace finds a powerful expression in music, where everyday sounds and rhythms are transformed into evocative artistic experiences. Composers, through their mastery of melody, harmony, and rhythm, can elevate the ordinary to the sublime. A simple bird song, the hum of a passing car, or the rhythmic tapping of a foot can become the seeds for a musical masterpiece. By reinterpreting these commonplace sounds, composers create new and unexpected sonic landscapes, inviting listeners to experience the world with fresh ears. The transfiguration of the commonplace in music allows us to appreciate the beauty and complexity in the seemingly mundane, to find meaning in the everyday, and to connect with the universal language of sound on a deeply emotional level. From the minimalist repetitions of Steve Reich to the intricate soundscapes of Brian Eno, composers continue to explore the transformative power of music in elevating the commonplace to new heights of artistic expression.
The Future of the Transfiguration of the Commonplace
The transfiguration of the commonplace, a concept that has permeated art in various forms, is poised to continue its evolution in the digital age. As technology advances and our relationship with the virtual world deepens, the boundaries between the real and the digital become increasingly blurred. This blurring will undoubtedly influence the ways in which artists and viewers engage with the commonplace. Digital art forms, such as interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality applications, provide new avenues for transforming everyday objects and experiences into art. Furthermore, the rise of social media and the sharing of digital content will further democratize the transfiguration of the commonplace, allowing individuals to contribute to the artistic conversation and elevate their own everyday experiences to a level of public discourse. The future of the transfiguration of the commonplace lies in embracing the dynamic interplay between technology, art, and human experience, ultimately leading to a richer and more nuanced understanding of what constitutes beauty, meaning, and artistic expression in our increasingly interconnected world.