uncopy

From the start of modernity art began to manifest a certain dependence on theory. At that time – and even much later – art’s “need of explanation” (Kommentarbeduerftigkeit), as Arnold Gehlen characterized this hunger for theory was, in its turn, explained by the fact that modern art is “difficult” – inaccessible for the greater public. According to this view, theory plays a role of propaganda – or, rather, advertising: the theorist comes after the artwork is produced, and explains this artwork to a surprised and skeptical audience.
pdf

Under the Gaze of Theory (2012), by Boris Groys