Institutional critique and after
Our goal in this class would be to closely study the works of different artists who, from the 1960s until today, in different countries and contexts, have sought and are still seeking to reveal the limits and the hidden sides of art institutions (art museums and exhibitions, art schools, museums of natural history etc.).
Some, in a Marxist-driven critique of culture within capitalism, meant to underscore their dependence on the market and/or on politics.
Others, in a post-structuralist stance, focused on the often unspoken methods of selection and collection, or questioned the discursive power and the narratives of history and nature within museums.
Today, the critique of institutions includes as well a critique of the normativity of institutions in terms of behaviour (e.g., ‘standard’ vs. ‘freak’), gaze (ideal vs. situated), ecology, and diversity.
Theoretical readings will guide our discussions throughout the semester.
- Enseignant éditeur: Dulguerova Elitza
