Rosalind Krauss

Definition

Rosalind Krauss is an influential art critic, theorist, and historian known for her writings on modern and contemporary art. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of sculpture and photography, particularly in the context of postmodernism. Her work has often focused on the relationships between art, culture, and theory, making her a pivotal figure in contemporary art discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krauss co-founded the influential magazine 'October' in 1976, which became a key platform for contemporary art criticism and theory.
2. She is known for her critical essays that challenge traditional notions of sculpture, arguing for a broader understanding that includes various media and contexts.
3. Krauss has written extensively on artists like Robert Smithson and Andy Warhol, analyzing their work within the frameworks of modernity and postmodernity.
4. Her book 'Passage in Modern Sculpture' explores how sculpture has evolved through modernist practices and its implications for contemporary art.
5. Krauss has been a professor at Columbia University, where she has influenced a generation of artists and scholars through her teachings on art theory.

Review Questions

• How did Rosalind Krauss contribute to the understanding of sculpture in contemporary art?
  • Rosalind Krauss contributed to the understanding of sculpture by challenging traditional definitions and exploring how sculpture interacts with various media and cultural contexts. In her writings, she emphasized that sculpture should not be confined to traditional forms but can include installations, conceptual works, and other practices that expand its boundaries. This perspective has reshaped how critics and audiences engage with sculptural works in contemporary art.
• Discuss the significance of the magazine 'October' in relation to Rosalind Krauss's impact on contemporary art criticism.
  • The magazine 'October,' co-founded by Rosalind Krauss, played a crucial role in shaping contemporary art criticism by providing a platform for innovative ideas and critical discourse. It challenged conventional approaches to art analysis and encouraged interdisciplinary dialogue among artists, critics, and theorists. The magazine became influential in the postmodern era, reflecting Krauss's commitment to exploring complex relationships between art and culture while promoting new voices in the field.
• Evaluate the influence of Rosalind Krauss's theories on modernism and postmodernism within the context of evolving artistic practices.
  • Rosalind Krauss's theories have had a profound influence on the discourse surrounding modernism and postmodernism by critically examining how these movements inform artistic practices. Her analysis reveals the complexities of representation, identity, and medium specificity within contemporary art. By advocating for a broader interpretation of what constitutes art—particularly through her studies on sculpture and photography—Krauss has encouraged artists to navigate these concepts in their work, thus fostering a richer understanding of the evolving nature of artistic expression in today's cultural landscape.

Related terms

Postmodernism:

A broad movement in art and literature characterized by a departure from modernism, embracing complexity, contradiction, and diverse interpretations.

Sculpture:

A three-dimensional artwork created by shaping or combining materials, which Krauss has critically examined in the context of contemporary practices.

Photography: The art and practice of capturing images, which Krauss has explored in relation to its evolving role in modern art.