About the book
The leading art theorist takes on art in the age of the Internet
In the early twentieth century, art and its institutions came under critique from a new democratic and egalitarian spirit. The notion of works of art as sacred objects was decried and subsequently they would be understood merely as things. This meant an attack on realism, as well as on the traditional preservative mission of the museum. Acclaimed art theorist Boris Groys argues this led to the development of “direct realism”: an art that would not produce objects, but practices (from performance art to relational aesthetics) that would not survive. But for more than a century now, every advance in this direction has been quickly followed by new means of preserving art’s distinction.
In this major new work, Groys charts the paradoxes produced by this tension, and explores art in the age of the thingless medium, the Internet. Groys claims that if the techniques of mechanical reproduction gave us objects without aura, digital production generates aura without objects, transforming all its materials into vanishing markers of the transitory present.
Editions of In the Flow
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781784783501
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781784783518
- EBook
- ISBN 9781784783495
Read an Excerpt
The leading art theorist takes on art in the age of the Internet
In the early twentieth century, art and its institutions came under critique from a new democratic and egalitarian spirit. The notion of works of art as sacred objects was decried and subsequently they would be understood merely as things. This meant an attack on realism, as well as on the traditional preservative mission of the museum. Acclaimed art theorist Boris Groys argues this led to the development of “direct realism”: an art that would not produce objects, but practices (from performance art to relational aesthetics) that would not survive. But for more than a century now, every advance in this direction has been quickly followed by new means of preserving art’s distinction.
In this major new work, Groys charts the paradoxes produced by this tension, and explores art in the age of the thingless medium, the Internet. Groys claims that if the techniques of mechanical reproduction gave us objects without aura, digital production generates aura without objects, transforming all its materials into vanishing markers of the transitory present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is In the Flow about?
The leading art theorist takes on art in the age of the Internet
In the early twentieth century, art and its institutions came under critique from a new democratic and egalitarian spirit. The notion of works of art as sacred objects was decried and subsequently they would be understood merely as things. This meant an attack on realism, as well as on the traditional preservative mission of the museum. Acclaimed art theorist Boris Groys argues this led to the development of “direct realism”: an art that would not produce objects, but practices (from performance art to relational aesthetics) that would not survive. But for more than a century now, every advance in this direction has been quickly followed by new means of preserving art’s distinction.
In this major new work, Groys charts the paradoxes produced by this tension, and explores art in the age of the thingless medium, the Internet. Groys claims that if the techniques of mechanical reproduction gave us objects without aura, digital production generates aura without objects, transforming all its materials into vanishing markers of the transitory present.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in In the Flow?
The Arts > The arts: general topics > Theory of art
Where can I read a sample of In the Flow?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781784783501
Who is/are the Author/s of the book In the Flow?
Boris Groys
Who is the Publisher of the book In the Flow?
Verso Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
In the Flow is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781784783501) and paperback(ISBN 9781784783518) and ebook(ISBN 9781784783495)
Where can I buy In the Flow online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy In the Flow from below
Where can I buy In the Flow?