TAMIL
Introduction to art theory
H. RAMAKRISHNAN
KALAIK KOTPAADU — Mikachurukkamaana Arimugam: S. Babu Rajendran; Adaiyalam, 1205/1, Karupur Salai, Puthanatham-621310. Rs. 90.
THIS BOOK is a Tamil translation of Art Theory: A Very Short Introduction by Cynthia Freeland. It tells what art is, what it means and why we value it. The wide canvas of art encompasses ritual, formalist, imitation, expression, cognitive and post-modern theories. The hardest problems an art theory faces are questions about how to settle art's meaning through interpretation. A theory is more than a definition. It is a framework for an orderly explanation of observed phenomenon.
And, the study of art is intriguing. The practices and roles of artists are amazingly multiple and evasive.
This exhaustive study of a complex field of artistic endeavour scrutinises medieval colossus Thomas Aquinas, the Enlightenment's key figures David Hume and Immanuel Kant, the notorious iconoclast Freidrich Nietzsche, and diverse 20th century figures such as John Dewey, Arthur Danto, Michel Foucoult and Jean Baudrillard.
The translator has a justifiable grievance. While European churches are seen as works of art, there is not even a mention of the temples of Tamil Nadu, which are veritably treasure houses of art.
Babu Rajendran, through this maiden venture in translation, has done an outstanding piece of work in a lucid and coherent style.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
