Saturday 29 January 2005, 10.30–17.00

Led by art critic and art historian, John Slyce.

'To hold that one kind of art must invariably be superior or inferior to another kind means to judge before experiencing.' – Clement Greenberg.

What does it mean to look at something ‘non-representational’? How do we look at and judge contemporary abstract art? As recently as the 1970s, looking at abstract art was based on established formal precepts concerned with quality, authenticity and rigor. This study day explores the theoretical writing and visual concepts that underpinned this thinking. Predominately using the work of American critic Clement Greenberg , it considers the current relevancy and value of formal analysis. As new critical writing has questioned much of this, how might it possible to reassess formalist theories, as well as consider new ways of looking at abstraction and abstract art. The day is led by  art critic and art-historian Jon Slyce and will include visiting work on display, teaching and discussion. 

Tate Britain  Manton Studio
£20 (£15 concessions), booking required

    

This event is related to the Anthony Caro exhibition