Rosalind Krauss

Definition

Rosalind Krauss is an influential American art critic, theorist, and historian known for her critical analyses of modern and contemporary art. She played a pivotal role in challenging dominant narratives in art history, particularly through her writings on the postmodern condition and the complexities of artistic practice after 1945. Krauss is best recognized for her critique of grand narratives, which highlights the fragmented and pluralistic nature of art and its history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Krauss co-founded the influential journal 'October' in 1976, which became a significant platform for contemporary art theory and criticism.
2. In her essay 'The Originality of the Avant-Garde,' Krauss argues that contemporary art resists traditional notions of originality and instead engages with existing works in innovative ways.
3. Krauss has examined how various artistic practices reflect broader cultural shifts, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding art's meaning.
4. Her critique of grand narratives questions the singular histories often presented in art history, advocating for a more nuanced understanding that includes multiple perspectives.
5. Krauss's work encourages an appreciation for diversity in artistic expression, challenging the idea that there is a single trajectory or standard for evaluating art.

Review Questions

• How does Rosalind Krauss's critique of grand narratives influence our understanding of modern and contemporary art?
  • Krauss's critique of grand narratives influences our understanding of modern and contemporary art by highlighting the complexities and multiplicities inherent in artistic practice. By challenging the idea that there is a singular story or path that defines art history, she encourages a broader perspective that values diverse voices and experiences. This approach allows for a more inclusive interpretation of art, acknowledging various influences and cultural contexts that shape artistic expression.
• Discuss the significance of Krauss's contributions to postmodern art theory and how they differ from traditional art historical approaches.
  • Krauss's contributions to postmodern art theory are significant because they actively challenge traditional art historical approaches that often prioritize linear narratives and canonical works. Unlike conventional methods that may overlook diverse artistic practices, Krauss emphasizes the fragmented nature of contemporary art and its engagement with other disciplines. Her focus on intermediality and cultural context allows for a richer understanding of how different media interact and how this interplay reflects broader societal changes.
• Evaluate how Rosalind Krauss's ideas on intermediality reshape our comprehension of artistic practices in the late 20th century.
  • Krauss's ideas on intermediality reshape our comprehension of artistic practices in the late 20th century by illustrating how artists increasingly blurred the boundaries between different media. This shift challenges traditional classifications and encourages a recognition of hybrid forms that combine visual arts with performance, literature, and technology. As artists explore these intersections, Krauss’s work prompts us to reconsider what constitutes 'art' itself, pushing us to acknowledge a broader spectrum of creative expression that reflects the complexities of contemporary life.

Related terms

Postmodernism: A broad movement in art, architecture, and literature that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a departure from modernist ideals and an embrace of complexity, contradiction, and diversity.

Intermediality: A concept referring to the interaction between different media forms, emphasizing the boundaries and relationships between various artistic practices.

Art Historical Narrative: The overarching stories and frameworks used to interpret and understand the development of art throughout history, often critiqued for being overly simplistic or exclusionary.