Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"Hal Foster’s eloquent book
Brutal Aesthetics attempts to inaugurate a positive appraisal of what the author identifies as 'positive barbarism'. . . . This erudite, nearly coffee table-sized book—substantially rewarding both in historical detail and theoretical reference, with copious footnotes and voluminous glossy color plates—is fascinatingly factual and beautiful to peruse."
---Joseph Nechvatal, Brooklyn Rail"Hal Foster's research sets the figures in context, compares them in an original way and skilfully manages to identify common aspects of their work. For those interested in modern art, intellectual history and politics of the cold war era, this book comes strongly recommended."
---Christian Kile, Sehepunkte"In
Brutal Aesthetics, Hal Foster compellingly investigates the complex dichotomies that inherently exist within brutalist art theory of the postwar period. Through the lens of five iconic figures and the transformative nature of their respective disciplines, Foster provides substantial evidence for such an examination and lays the foundation for this essential contribution to the literature around the subject. Covering an historically pivotal turning point in Western art, Foster’s research illuminates new insights into the study of brutalism to supplement mid twentieth-century avant-garde art history. . . .
Brutal Aesthetics is an indispensable addition to the art library. –
ARLIS/NA Reviews"
"A fine production, a beautiful publication, that honours the exceptionally high quality of the lectures contained within."
---Ian Lipke, Queensland Reviewers Collective"Highly recommended." * Choice *
"An informative (and well-illustrated) overview of how intellectuals in the immediate post-war period saw primitivism as a viable remedy for art and society."
---Alexander Adams, The Jackdaw
