American Muse
Anthropological Excursions into Art and Aesthetics
Published on 24. March 2000
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-13-084313-5 (ISBN)
Description
For courses in American Arts/Aesthetics; Popular Culture; Anthropology of Art; and Survey Anthropology.
Written in a clear, lively style, this text approaches its subject using the traditional methods of cultural anthropology-
in-depth interviews with "native" informants, examination of "native" texts, and analysis of "native" rites of passage. In this unique case, however, the native consultants are Americans and the focus is the arts that they produce and enjoy. True to anthropology's hallmark relativism, the author explores not only the fine arts but also the popular arts, giving as much attention and analysis to wedding cakes, rock and roll, and automobiles as to gallery paintings, classical music, and formal literature.
Written in a clear, lively style, this text approaches its subject using the traditional methods of cultural anthropology-
in-depth interviews with "native" informants, examination of "native" texts, and analysis of "native" rites of passage. In this unique case, however, the native consultants are Americans and the focus is the arts that they produce and enjoy. True to anthropology's hallmark relativism, the author explores not only the fine arts but also the popular arts, giving as much attention and analysis to wedding cakes, rock and roll, and automobiles as to gallery paintings, classical music, and formal literature.
More details
Content
1. Introduction.
2. The Role of Art in Americans' Lives: Three Vignettes.
3. Weddings: Art in an American Rite of Passage.
4. Art's Cultural Significance.
5. Who Put the "Bomp" in the "Bomp, Bomp, Bomp"?: What American Music Says about American Arts.
6. The Artist's World.
7. The Artist.
8. Art and the Inner World.
9. Art and Society.
10. Vernacular Aesthetics.
11. Calliope in America.
References.
2. The Role of Art in Americans' Lives: Three Vignettes.
3. Weddings: Art in an American Rite of Passage.
4. Art's Cultural Significance.
5. Who Put the "Bomp" in the "Bomp, Bomp, Bomp"?: What American Music Says about American Arts.
6. The Artist's World.
7. The Artist.
8. Art and the Inner World.
9. Art and Society.
10. Vernacular Aesthetics.
11. Calliope in America.
References.