Aesthetic Theory, Abstract Art, and Lawrence Carroll

229 Pages·2019·19.704 MB·English

by  David Carrier

Aesthetic Theory, Abstract Art, and
Lawrence Carroll
Aesthetics and Contemporary Art
Series Editors: Tiziana Andina and David Carrier
Philosophers and cultural historians typically discuss works of art in abstract
terms. But the true significance of art for philosophy, and philosophy for art,
can only be established through close analysis of specific examples. Art is
increasingly being used to introduce and discuss problems in philosophy. And
many works of art raise important philosophical issues of their own. But the
resources available have been limited. Aesthetics and Contemporary Art, the
first series of its kind, will provide a productive context for that indispensable
enterprise.
The series promotes philosophy as a framework for understanding the
study of contemporary arts and artists, showcasing researches that exemplify
cutting-edge and socially engaged scholarship, bridging theory and practice,
academic rigor and insight of the contemporary world.
Editorial Board:
Alessandro Arbo (University of Strasbourg, Fr.), Carla Bagnoli (University of
Modena and Reggio), Leeza Chebotarev (Gagosian Gallery), Paolo D’Angelo
(University of Roma Tre), Noël Carroll (CUNY), Diarmuid Costello
(University of Warwick), Maurizio Ferraris (University of Turin), Cynthia
Freeland (University of Houston), Peter Lamarque (University of York),
Jonathan Gilmore (CUNY), Luca Illetterati (University of Padova), Gao
Jianping (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences), Birte Kleemann (Michael
Werner Gallery), Joachim Pissarro (CUNY), Sara Protasi (University
of Puget Sound), Shen-yi Liao (University of Puget Sound), Ken-Ichi
Sasaki (Nihon University), Elisabeth Schellekens (University of
Uppsala), Vincenzo Trione (IULM, International University
of Language and Communication, Milano).
Forthcoming in the Series:
Aesthetics, Philosophy, and Martin Creed edited by
Elisabeth Schellekens and Davide Dalsasso
The Philosophy and Art of Wang Guangyi edited by Tiziana Andina
Visual Metaphor and Contemporary Art by Mark Stall Brandl
Aesthetic Theory, Abstract Art, and
Lawrence Carroll
David Carrier
BLOOMSBURY ACADEMIC
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
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BLOOMSBURY, BLOOMSBURY ACADEMIC and the Diana logo are trademarks of
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
First published in Great Britain 2019
Copyright © David Carrier, 2019
David Carrier has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work.
For legal purposes the Acknowledgments on pp. x–xv constitute an extension of this
copyright page.
Cover design: Irene Martinez Costa
Cover image © Lawrence Carroll
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in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
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ISBN: HB: 978-1-3500-0956-1
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eBook: 978-1-3500-0955-4
Series: Aesthetics and Contemporary Art
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For Marianne Novy (and our extended family) and Joachim Pissarro
(and his extended family)
vi
Contents
List of Figures viii
List of Plates ix
Acknowledgments x
Introduction 1
1 What Is a Work of Art? 29
2 What Is a Painting? 47
3 The Art World 71
4 Lawrence Carroll Enters the Art World 89
5 Why Painting’s History Matters 105
6 An Art History Made for and by Artists 121
7 Interpreting Carroll’s Artworks 137
8 Why Lawrence Carroll’s Paintings Matter 151
Lawrence Carroll: Selected Solo and Group Exhibitions 171
Lawrence Carroll: Selected Public and Private Collections 191
References 194
Index 205
List of Figures
All images courtesy Lawrence Carroll studio; Galerie Buchmann Berlin and
Lugano; Gaerie Karsten Greve, Cologne, Paris, St. Moritz. Photo Credit:
Antonio Maniscalco
Figure 1 Untitled (1989–90), Entrance, MAMbo 18
Figure 2 Installation shot, MAMbo, first gallery 19
Figure 3 Untitled Floor Piece (1992–94), MAMbo 32
Figure 4 Untitled (1998) 49
Figure 5 Untitled (Freezing painting) (2013–14), MAMbo 57
Figure 6 4th Room, MAMbo 58
Figure 7 Installation, Museo Vela, Ligornetto, room 13 82
Figure 8 Untitled, Insert Painting (1985) 95
Figure 9 Permanent installation; Villa Panza, Varese, Italy 102
Figure 10 Untitled-Flower Painting #1 (2007–12), in room
14 at Ligornetto 107
Figure 11 Nothing Gold Can Stay (2013). Private Collection 123
Figure 12 Untitled (2017), Museo Vela Ligornetto. Panza Collection 124
Figure 13 Untitled (2014), MAMbo, private collection 125
Figure 14 Untitled Table Painting (2006–14) 127
Figure 15 As on cover, Untitled (1985). #9. Collection Museo
Cantonale d’ Arte, Lugano 128
Figure 16 Self-published Newspaper #7, Dublin City Museum the
Hugh Lane exhibition, “In the World I Live,” November 9,
2012–February 10, 2013, Sketch, 2012; Marquette, MI 139
Figure 17 Self-published Newspaper #7, Dublin City Museum the
Hugh Lane exhibition, “In the World I Live” November 9,
2012–February 10, 2013, Sketch, August 22, 1985, NYC,
Ball point pen 140
Figure 18 Figment (1985), room 13, Museo Vela, Ligornetto.
Collection Museo Jumex; Mexico City 145
Figure 19 Guilt (1992), Ligornetto, room XV. Panza Collection 152
Figure 20 Another Life (2009). Artist sketch; collection the artist 155
List of Plates
Plate 1 Ghost House/MAMbo, 2016. Foreground Untitled (1998),
courtesy Galerie Karsten Greve. Back wall at far right Center
Untitled (1990), Untitled (2014), Collection of the Artist, Far right
Untitled (1992-2000) Private collection
Plate 2 Victory (2009–10), Private collection
Plate 3 Untitled slip painting (2011), Collection of the Artist, courtesy
Galerie Buchmann
Plate 4 Ghost House/MAMbo, 2016. Fugitive”(for Mark) (1991–1993),
I don’t have answers (1985-1986), Void (1985–1986). Collection
Museum Cantonale de’Arte Lugano (CH) Panza Collection Gift
1994
Plate 5 Museo Vincenzo Vela, 2017. Far left, Figment (1985).
Collection Museo Jumex, Mexico City. Center, Little Figment
(1985). Collection the artist. Far right, Untitled (1985), Museo
Cantonale d’ Arte, Lugano, Panza Collection. In foreground,
Drop (1992), Panza Collection.