The Painted Word is a book written by Tom Wolfe, an American author and journalist, which was first published in 1975. In this book, Wolfe explores the world of contemporary art and critiques the modern art movement, particularly focusing on abstract expressionism and its impact on the art world.

Wolfe argues that the art world has become detached from the general public and has created a self-referential system that is driven by critics, curators, and collectors rather than the actual artists themselves. He coins the term “the painted word” to describe how art has become more about the ideas and theories behind it rather than the visual representation.

The book begins with an introduction where Wolfe sets the stage for his critique by discussing the rise of abstract expressionism in the 1940s and 1950s. He explains how this movement, led by artists such as Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, shifted the focus of art from representation to pure abstraction.

Wolfe then delves into the world of art criticism and its influence on the art market. He argues that critics have become the gatekeepers of taste and have created a system where artists are judged based on their adherence to certain theories and concepts rather than their artistic skill or creativity. He criticizes the use of jargon-filled language in art criticism, which he believes alienates the general public and makes art inaccessible.

Throughout the book, Wolfe provides anecdotes and profiles of various figures in the art world, including artists, critics, collectors, and curators. He examines their roles in shaping the contemporary art scene and highlights their often pretentious attitudes towards art.

One of Wolfe’s main arguments is that modern art has become a status symbol for wealthy collectors who use it as a form of social currency. He suggests that many collectors are more interested in owning expensive artworks that signify their wealth and sophistication rather than appreciating them for their artistic value.

Wolfe also criticizes the influence of museums and galleries on the art world. He argues that these institutions have become more concerned with promoting certain artists and movements rather than fostering creativity and innovation. He suggests that the art market has become a closed system where artists who do not conform to the established norms are marginalized and ignored.

In the final chapters of the book, Wolfe discusses the rise of minimalism and conceptual art, which he sees as further examples of the detachment between art and the general public. He argues that these movements prioritize ideas and concepts over visual aesthetics, making them even more inaccessible to the average viewer.

Overall, The Painted Word is a scathing critique of the contemporary art world and its disconnect from the general public. Wolfe argues that art has become more about theory, criticism, and market forces rather than genuine artistic expression. He calls for a return to art that is accessible, visually appealing, and meaningful to a wider audience.

• The Painted Word

• By: Tom Wolfe
• Narrated by: Harold N. Cropp

No one has deflected popular movements of American culture like Tom Wolfe. In 1975, he turned his satirical pen to the expectations of the contemporary art world – a world of social escalation, elite posture, and cleverly silly self-justification. skillful. From the glorious flatness of the ’50s to the minimal ’60s pop op, to the ’70s you see now you see, Tom Wolfe debunks the great American myth of modern art in a bright, fun way. , and the terrifying explosion.

I would recommend this book to artists, art students, and anyone who has ever stood in front of a painting and thought, “I just don’t get it.” It was funny, short, and I honestly wanted to hear Mr. Cropp read the phone book. It’s short so I just pay $10 instead of using credit if I were you.

After reading the texts Mr. Wolfe references, I can say that he hit the right spot. Anyone who follows art theory writing and its current trends can attest to it. His comments shed light on basic ideas and writers who cast such a towering shadow over the art world and continue to do so in universities to this day.

The subtlety of the book will put many off, but I have the education and attention to find the points where the book makes it subtly interesting. The intellectual independence that Wolfe often exhibits is often avoided by reducing effort on fashion. This book examines fashion in a way that allows the intellect to escape fashion and understand the voice of art rather than commerce. Commerce can determine what and how we value images, however, images must stand without that decision in insight. Wolfe seemed to understand this predicament very well.

I read this book when it first came out and decided to listen to it as a way to re-read it. I recommend it. Readers are great. This document is as informative and applicable now as it was when it was first published.

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