In art theory, as in cultural life generally, there has a long been tension between theory and artistic practice. The desire to resolve these tensions has been a principal impulse shaping artistic work and criticism over the last century. The last decade has seen the emergence of a broad, interdisciplinary body of theoretical work with a distinctive relationship to artistic practice, providing a common reference in artworks to the principles and vocabularies of theory.

The sixteen essays in this collection were originally presented at an international conference entitled `Art as Theory / Theory and Art,' held at the University of Ottawa in late 1991. The contributors - critics, curators, and practising artists from Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia, look at the current relationships between theory and practice in the fields of art, communication, and cultural studies from a wide range of viewpoints. Areas of interest include the institutionalization of theory, theories of vision, gender theory and feminist positions, and theory in a post-colonial context. This volume answers some important new questions about the points of intersection between theory and visual art.

About the Author
Jody Berland is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Concordia University. Will Straw is an associate professor in the Department of Art History and Communication Studies at McGill University. David Tomas is a professor in the Department of Visual Arts, University of Ottawa.


Book Information
ISBN 9780802076571
Author Jody Berland
Format Paperback
Page Count 322
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press
Weight(grams) 380g
Dimensions(mm) 203mm * 127mm * 21mm