The Aesthetics of Self-Becoming

Exploring the transformative power of art, The Aesthetics of Self-Becoming reveals how aesthetics shape personal identity and societal concerns.

This book outlines an aesthetics of self-becoming, where individuals do not merely consume artistic meaning but instead find empowerment by adapting themselves to the possibilities that different art forms provide. In The Aesthetics of Self-Becoming, Paul Crowther argues that the significant political task in aesthetics today is not just about creating political art, but about reclaiming art and aesthetics as vital societal concerns. This shift requires overcoming the neo-liberal view of art as a mere commodity and challenging the notion that art is solely the product of dead white European males.

The book begins with a theory of self-consciousness that highlights the essential role of aesthetics in shaping personal identity. It emphasizes how various art forms empower individuals through unique processes of creation and aesthetic effects. Crowther explores the ontology of different artistic mediums, including pictorial art, sculpture, installation, architecture, literature, cinema, and music. Throughout The Aesthetics of Self-Becoming, he supports his arguments with in-depth discussions of specific artworks, demonstrating how art can reveal new possibilities for experience and understanding.

Ultimately, this work aims to reorient the field of aesthetics by illustrating how art empowers individuals, fostering a deeper connection to personal and societal identity. Scholars in art history, literary studies, film studies, and music theory will find The Aesthetics of Self-Becoming particularly engaging, as it delves into the transformative power of art in contemporary society.