The Avant Garde

This insightful exploration of the avant-garde reveals its lasting impact on modern art and culture. The Avant Garde offers a critical examination of its significance.

In The Avant Garde, David Cottington delves into the profound influence that the avant-garde has had on modern art and culture over the past century. This concept has not only shaped the way art is evaluated but has also dictated the significance attributed to various artistic movements and individual works. Cottington investigates the criteria that define what is considered avant-garde, highlighting the often ambiguous nature of the term and its varied applications across different mediums, including design and architecture.

The book further explores the relationship between the social entity of the avant-garde and the qualities that define avant-garde works. Cottington poses critical questions regarding the relevance of the avant-garde in today's art scene, especially in light of contemporary art's ability to challenge traditional boundaries and its central role in a lucrative art market. He seeks to understand whether the avant-garde still exists in its original form and, if so, what its purpose is in the modern context.

Through a thoughtful examination of western modernity and capitalist culture, The Avant Garde offers readers a comprehensive understanding of this influential concept. By situating the avant-garde within a broader cultural framework, Cottington provides insights into its enduring legacy and its implications for both artists and audiences alike.