Arthur Danto speaks on contemporary art, focusing on mid-twentieth century artists Marcel Duchamp and Andy Warhol, both of whose literal depictions of objects represent the “transfiguration of the commonplace.” Danto suggests that viewers who find such works confusing can learn some of the underlying philosophy by reading current writing on the philosophy of art.
In the second segment [14:00], Michael Shapiro examines artistic trends in the mid-1980s in contemporary American bronze and marble sculpture. He extols the vibrancy of American sculpture and the aesthetic value of original sculptural works.
At the time of this conversation, Danto was professor of philosophy at Columbia University.
Shapiro, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1983-84), was curator at the St. Louis Art Museum.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
