Quick Look at Theory in Art

I have chosen 3 works of art in which theory plays a decisive role, and 3 works of art in which theory seems absent.

3 Works of art in which theory is important

1. Guerrilla Girls – Do Women Have To Be Naked To Get Into the Met. Museum? 1989
2. Kara Walker – Fons Americanus, 2019
3. Yinka Shonibare CBE – The British Library 2014.

My first choice is in the format of a poster calling attention to sexism in the Metropolitan Museum’s art collection. The second is a comment on UK immigration by highlighting the number of immigrants that have contributed to British culture. The third provides a historical narrative of violence against black people, highlighting the slave trade and its legacy. These works have been created to draw attention to a specific social prejudice and to provoke discussion and awareness.

3 Works of art in which theory seems absent

1. Mark Rothko – Red on Maroon 1959.
2. Jim Lambie – Zobop 1999.
3. Jeff Koons – Tulips 1995 – 2004.

In contrast to the first 3, the latter group are apparently created with a more objective intent. The subjects are abstract or without underlying meaning, described by their physical characteristics: light, reflection, colour, line and pattern: how the medium interacts with the surface, the surrounding space and the viewer itself. A knowledge of social constructs is not required to view these works, they are entirely self-contained and the viewer’s response is defined by their physical qualities.