The Theory Of The Avant-Garde [Paperback]

Convinced that all aspects of modern culture have been affected by avant-garde art, Renato Poggioli explores the relationship between the avant-garde and civilization. Historical parallels and modern examples from all the arts are used to show how the avant-garde is both symptom and cause of many major extra-aesthetic trends of our time, and that the contemporary avant-garde is the sole and authentic one.There can be no doubt that this book is a classic.His rich background&ideally equipped him for the task of mapping the wilderness of avant-garde art and aesthetics. Indeed, Poggioli tackles his vast subject systemically, by integrating the aesthetic approach in a psychological, social, and historical range.Poggiolis study is a magnificent achievement. In both his topic and his manner of treatment, he has demonstrated that the criticism of art is indistinguishable from the criticism of life.Poggioli explores the relationship between the avant-garde and civilization. Historical parallels and modern examples from all the arts are used to show how the avant-garde is both symptom and cause of many major extra-aesthetic trends of our time, and that the contemporary avant-garde is the sole and authentic one.