Michael Fried

Definition

Michael Fried is a prominent American art critic, historian, and theorist known for his influential writings on modern art and the critique of minimalist art. His work emphasizes the importance of the viewer's experience in relation to the artwork, particularly in how art engages with its context and the viewer's perception. Fried's arguments often contrast formalist and contextualist approaches, making significant contributions to discussions about the nature of art and how it is understood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fried's influential essay 'Art and Objecthood' critiques minimalist art by arguing that it often denies the viewer's experience in favor of a focus on objecthood.
2. He advocates for a contextualist approach that considers the relationship between the artwork, its environment, and the viewer’s perception.
3. Fried’s work has significantly shaped contemporary discussions on how art interacts with space and time, impacting both critics and artists alike.
4. He differentiates between 'theatricality' in art, which he finds problematic, and artworks that encourage a genuine engagement with the viewer.
5. Fried's writings bridge the gap between art criticism and philosophy, prompting a re-evaluation of what constitutes meaningful engagement with art.

Review Questions

• How does Michael Fried's critique of minimalist art illustrate the differences between formalist and contextualist approaches?
  • Michael Fried critiques minimalist art by emphasizing its focus on objecthood at the expense of viewer experience, which he sees as a failure to engage contextually with the audience. This critique highlights a key difference between formalist approaches, which prioritize visual elements in isolation, and contextualist approaches that consider how artworks interact with their surroundings and evoke viewer responses. Fried’s perspective encourages a deeper understanding of how artworks can create meaningful experiences rather than merely existing as objects.
• Analyze how Fried’s concept of 'theatricality' relates to his views on viewer engagement in modern art.
  • Fried’s concept of 'theatricality' refers to artworks that prioritize their own display over engaging with viewers on a deeper level. He argues that such works detract from authentic viewer experiences by creating a sense of detachment rather than fostering interaction. This analysis is crucial in understanding his preference for works that invite viewers into a dialogue, emphasizing the role of perception in experiencing modern art. Fried believes that true engagement occurs when viewers are drawn into an artwork's context rather than being positioned as passive observers.
• Evaluate the impact of Michael Fried’s writings on contemporary art criticism and theory regarding the relationship between art and its context.
  • Michael Fried’s writings have profoundly impacted contemporary art criticism by challenging critics to rethink how they assess artworks in relation to their contexts. His exploration of the interplay between artwork, viewer perception, and environment has opened up new avenues for analyzing both historical and contemporary practices. This reevaluation encourages critics and artists alike to consider not only what an artwork looks like but also how it functions within specific settings, ultimately influencing how artworks are created, displayed, and understood today.

Related terms

Formalist Criticism: An approach to art criticism that focuses on the visual elements of artwork, such as color, line, and composition, often sidelining historical and contextual factors.

Minimalism: An art movement characterized by simplicity and an emphasis on materials, form, and the relationship between artwork and viewer, often critiqued by Fried for its perceived lack of engagement with viewer experience.

Art as Experience: A concept that emphasizes the experiential aspect of viewing art, suggesting that understanding art involves engaging with it physically and emotionally rather than purely intellectually.