Michelle Kamhi's Books

What Art Is

The Esthetic Theory of Ayn Rand

By: Michelle Kamhi,Louis Torres

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

What Art Is

The Esthetic Theory of Ayn Rand

By: Michelle Kamhi,Louis Torres

What is art? The arts establishment has a simple answer: anything is art if a reputed artist or expert says it is. Though many people are skeptical about the alleged new art forms that have proliferated since the early twentieth century, today's critics claim that all such work, however incomprehensible, is art. A groundbreaking alternative to this view is provided by philosopher-novelist Ayn Rand (1901–1982). Best known as the author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, Rand also created an original and illuminating theory of art, which confirms the widespread view that much of today's purported art is not really art at all. In What Art Is, Torres and Kamhi present a lucid introduction to Rand's esthetic theory, contrasting her ideas with those of other thinkers. They conclude that, in its basic principles, her account is compelling, and is corroborated by evidence from anthropology, neurology, cognitive science, and psychology. The authors apply Rand's theory to a debunking of the work of prominent modernists and postmodernists—from Mondrian, Jackson Pollock, and Samuel Beckett to John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and other highly regarded postmodernist figures. Finally, they explore the implications of Rand's ideas for the issues of government and corporate support of the arts, art law, and art education. "This is one of the most interesting, provocative, and well-written books on aesthetics that I know. While fully accessible to the general reader, What Art Is should be of great interest to specialists as well. Ayn Rand's largely unknown writings on art—especially as interpreted, released from dogma, and smoothed out by Torres and Kamhi—are remarkably refined. Moreover, her ideas are positively therapeutic after a century of artistic floundering and aesthetic quibbling. Anyone interested in aesthetics, in the purpose of art, or in the troubling issues posed by modernism and post modernism should read this book." —Randall R. Dipert Author of Artifacts, Art Works, and Agency "Torres and Kamhi effectively situate Rand's long-neglected esthetic theory in the wider history of ideas. They not only illuminate her significant contribution to an understanding of the nature of art; they also apply her ideas to a trenchant critique of the twentieth century's 'advanced art.' Their exposure of the invalidity of abstract art is itself worth the price of admission." —Chris Matthew Sciabarra Author of Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical "Rand's aesthetic theory merits careful study and thoughtful criticism, which Torres and Kamhi provide. Their scholarship is sound, their presentation is clear, and their judgment is refreshingly free from the biases that Rand's supporters and detractors alike tend to bring to considerations of her work." —Stephen Cox University of California, San Diego

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

541

Publisher

Open Court

Published Date

ISBN 10

0812699599

ISBN 13

9780812699593

Who Says That's Art?

A Commonsense View of the Visual Arts

By: Michelle Marder Kamhi

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Who Says That's Art?

A Commonsense View of the Visual Arts

By: Michelle Marder Kamhi

The book argues that the "cutting-edge" work championed by today's art establishment worldwide differs so fundamentally from the "fine art" of the past that it does not qualify as "art" at all. Extensive evidence from art history, cross-cultural studies, neuroscience, philosophy, and cognitive psychology is presented in support of that argument. In addition, the author offers an in-depth appreciation of traditional art, including that created by contemporary painters and sculptors virtually ignored by today's critics, curators, and the mass media. The role played by art teachers, collectors, museums, and public officials in promoting today's "pseudo art" is also considered.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

336

Published Date

ISBN 10

0990605701

ISBN 13

9780990605706

Bucking the Artworld Tide: Reflections on Art, Pseudo Art, Art Education & Theory

By: Michelle Marder Kamhi

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Bucking the Artworld Tide: Reflections on Art, Pseudo Art, Art Education & Theory

By: Michelle Marder Kamhi

Today's artists and art lovers who adhere to a traditional view of art are virtually submerged in the tsunami of anti-traditional work and supporting critical spin generated by the contemporary artworld. Bucking the Artworld Tide--comprising more than three decades of the author's contrarian writing and speaking-is written from their perspective. It offers a solid defense of traditional visual art, as well as trenchant critiques of countless "new art forms" invented since the early 20th century and of the flawed theoretical assumptions behind them. A key part of the volume deals with K-12 art education, which has all too readily adopted the contemporary artworld's anti-traditional mindset.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

380

Published Date

ISBN 10

0990605736

ISBN 13

9780990605737

What Art Is

The Esthetic Theory of Ayn Rand

By: Michelle Kamhi,Louis Torres

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

What Art Is

The Esthetic Theory of Ayn Rand

By: Michelle Kamhi,Louis Torres

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

541

Publisher

Open Court

Published Date

ISBN 10

0812699599

ISBN 13

9780812699593

Book's by Michelle Kamhi

What Art Is

What Art Is

Who Says That's Art?

Who Says That's Art?

Bucking the Artworld Tide: Reflections on Art, Pseudo Art, Art Education & Theory

Bucking the Artworld Tide: Reflections on Art, Pseudo Art, Art Education & Theory

What Art Is

What Art Is

Username

Password

Username

Password

Password again

Birthday

Email