Rosalind - Krauss Reinventing The Medium Pdf

Krauss begins with a provocative diagnosis. By the 1990s, the traditional notion of a medium—oil painting, bronze sculpture, etching—had collapsed under the weight of postmodern pastiche, installation art, and digital reproduction. Artists no longer seemed committed to a specific material craft. However, Krauss argues that this does not mean the end of the medium itself. Instead, she calls for its .

Drawing from philosopher Stanley Cavell, Krauss suggests a medium is not just a material but a set of conventions

Krauss argues that by the late 20th century, the traditional concept of a "medium" as a specific physical material (e.g., oil on canvas) had been rendered obsolete or "washed-up". She critiques the "deadening generality" of postmodernism, where "art-in-general" replaces specific artistic disciplines. The Art Association of Australia and New Zealand rosalind krauss reinventing the medium pdf

Rosalind Krauss ’s essay (1999) marks a pivotal shift in her theory, where she explores the "post-medium condition" and how contemporary artists find new aesthetic life in obsolete technologies. Core Concepts of the Essay

Krauss's central argument was that the medium was no longer a stable or coherent category but rather a complex and multifaceted concept that was constantly being reinvented. She saw this process of reinvention as a fundamental aspect of modern art, one that reflected the changing nature of art itself. By questioning the traditional notion of the medium, Krauss opened up new possibilities for artists to explore and create. Krauss begins with a provocative diagnosis

: For a detailed breakdown of her arguments regarding James Coleman and William Kentridge, this Medium blog post by Aodhán Rilke provides an excellent critical overview.

Krauss notes that photography converged with high art in the 1960s just as it was becoming obsolete due to digital technology. It shifted from being an aesthetic tool to a "theoretical object" used to deconstruct traditional notions of authorship and originality. Recursive Structure: However, Krauss argues that this does not mean

As we look to the future of art, it is clear that Krauss's ideas will continue to shape our understanding of the medium and its possibilities. Her legacy as a critic, theorist, and innovator will continue to inspire artists, critics, and scholars for generations to come.

If you are affiliated with a university, college, or research institution, you can access the PDF via JSTOR (most common), ProQuest, or the University of Chicago Press’s own website. Search for: Krauss, R. (1999). Reinventing the Medium. Critical Inquiry , 25(2), 289–305.