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This course brings together a variety of readings
from the humanities and the social
sciences that examine the inner workings
of the art world. Beginning with the conceptions of
modern art and the artist, it critically explores
the distinction between art works and artifacts,
creativity and labor as well as between
contemporary and 'ethnic' art. Drawing on
ethnographic examples the course investigates
how artists, critics, curators, collectors, patrons
and sponsors conceptualize their work, and how
they approach prospective audiences.
A central concern will be analyzing how the philosophical
underpinnings of the civic impact accorded to art are
reflected in the daily 'business' of the art world.
This will include looking at the practices
and discourses of producing, curating and exhibiting;
buying, selling, and collecting; reviewing, appraising,
insuring and restituting artworks as well
as probing the interpersonal and institutional
relationships that constitute the arts sector.
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