Art and Agency
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22370501 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Robert Layton (0000-0001-8695-7425, Durham University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2018 |
| Pages | 1-10 |
| Publication date | 2018-09-05 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | OTHER |
| Venue | The International Encyclopedia of Anthropology (JOURNAL) |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/9781118924396.wbiea1778 |
| OpenAlex | W2954941345 |
| ISBN | 9781118924396 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 16 |
This entry starts by defining agency and provides a brief history of arguments for the attribution of agency to objects. Alfred Gell's theory of art and agency is then exemplified through short case studies, paying particular attention to his influential concept of the “art nexus.” Difficulties with Gell's approach to aesthetics and visual communication, identified by commentators on his work, are considered. Gell's use of the term “abduction” obscures the important role of culture in enabling visual communication. The conclusions draw attention to the importance of Gell's analysis of agency revealed in the artist's oeuvre as a whole
Aesthetics · Attribution · Epistemology · Sociology · Structure and agency · Aesthetic Perception and Analysis · Computer Science · Philosophy · Psychology · Public Spaces through Art · Social Psychology · Visual Culture and Art Theory
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| Highly cited | No |
|---|