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Book Synopsis

In his influential essay Provisional Painting, Raphael Rubinstein applied the term provisional to contemporary painters whose work looked intentionally casual, dashed-off, tentative, unfinished or self-cancelling; who appeared to have deliberately turned away from strong painting for something that seemed to constantly risk failure or inconsequence.

In this collection of essays, Rubinstein expands the scope of his original article by surveying the historical and philosophical underpinnings of provisionality in recent visual art, as well as examining the works of individual artists in detail. He also engages crucial texts by Samuel Beckett and philosopher Gianni Vattimo.

Re-examining several decades of painting practices, Rubinstein argues that provisionality, in all its many forms, has been both a foundational element in the history of modern art and the encapsulation of an attitude that is profoundly contemporary.

The Turn to Provisionality in Contemporary Art

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    A Paperback by Raphael Rubinstein

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      Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 1/25/2024
      ISBN13: 9781350243750, 978-1350243750
      ISBN10: 1350243752

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      In his influential essay Provisional Painting, Raphael Rubinstein applied the term provisional to contemporary painters whose work looked intentionally casual, dashed-off, tentative, unfinished or self-cancelling; who appeared to have deliberately turned away from strong painting for something that seemed to constantly risk failure or inconsequence.

      In this collection of essays, Rubinstein expands the scope of his original article by surveying the historical and philosophical underpinnings of provisionality in recent visual art, as well as examining the works of individual artists in detail. He also engages crucial texts by Samuel Beckett and philosopher Gianni Vattimo.

      Re-examining several decades of painting practices, Rubinstein argues that provisionality, in all its many forms, has been both a foundational element in the history of modern art and the encapsulation of an attitude that is profoundly contemporary.

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