The Problem of Intentionality in the Contemporary Visual Arts
The Problem of Intentionality in the Contemporary Visual Arts
Author(s): Gianluca LorenziniSubject(s): Visual Arts, Aesthetics
Published by: Helsinki University Press
Keywords: intentionalism;interpretation;art (philosophy of);aesthetic judgement
Summary/Abstract: The discourse regarding intentionality and interpretation in analytic philosophy of art, although ample and lively, has concerned itself almost exclusively with the literary medium. Starting from a paper published by Hans Maes, I discuss the complications that may arise in straightforwardly applying current intentionalist strategies to the realm of the contemporary visual arts. I first present a detailed account of the difference between hypothetical intentionalism and moderate actual intentionalism which will help to better understand the nature of Maes’s arguments in his paper. I then argue that the characteristics which shape the approach of moderate actual intentionalism cannot be accommodated by certain contemporary visual artworks. I will demonstrate how in certain contemporary artworks, should a viewer be interested in accepting actual intentions within her interpretation, she will have to do so with an extreme intentionalist posture rather than a moderate actual one.
Journal: Estetika: The European Journal of Aesthetics
- Issue Year: LVI/2019
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 186-205
- Page Count: 20
- Language: English