Contemporary aesthetics is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that explores how aesthetic experiences – that is, those relating to the perception and appreciation of beauty in arts and culture – intersect with everyday practices and modern technologies. This field extends beyond the traditional analysis of art forms to include a variety of media and contexts, from art galleries to social media, and is concerned with how these platforms shape aesthetic experience.
The debate on contemporary aesthetics involves philosophers, art critics, artists and cultural theorists, and raises questions about the nature and role of art in current society. For example, how can art facilitate social or critical interaction? What is the impact of new technologies on art and aesthetic perception? How do global events and social issues influence the creation and reception of art?
Contemporary aesthetics therefore strives to explore these themes through various theoretical and methodological prisms, enriching our understanding of art and culture in a globalized and technologically advanced era. Let’s discover 5 essential books for anyone who wants to dedicate themselves to understanding art in contemporary society:
“Relational aesthetics” by Nicolas Bourriaud (1998)
Nicolas Bourriaud introduces relational aesthetics, arguing that contemporary art serves as a meeting point for social relations. The book examines works of art that create spaces and situations where the public can actively participate, transforming the observer into a participant. Bourriaud uses examples of artistic projects that emphasize process and social interaction, challenging traditional conventions of artistic presentation and experience.
“Art as Experience” by John Dewey (1934)
Although written in 1934, this book’s influence on contemporary aesthetic thought remains significant. John Dewey, in “Art as Experience”, argues that art should not be separated from everyday life but seen as a continuous and integrated experience. The book proposes an art that emerges from dynamic interaction with the everyday world and focuses on ‘doing’ and ‘perceiving’. Dewey connects aesthetic theory, educational practice, and practical life in a philosophical approach that sees art as fundamental to human experience.
“The Aesthetics of Emotion: Up the Down Staircase of the Mind-Body” by Gerald C. Cupchik (2016)
Gerald Cupchik explores how emotions influence and are influenced by art, proposing an approach that links psychology and aesthetics, explaining how works of art evoke emotional responses through various sensory and cognitive stimuli. Cupchik discusses several case studies that illustrate the interaction between mind, body, and art, emphasizing a deeper understanding of aesthetic response.
“Aesthetics of Interaction in Digital Art” by Katja Kwastek (2013):
Katja Kwastek in this book explores the evolution of interactions between art and technology in the digital age. “Aesthetics of Interaction in Digital Art” she examines how digital artworks not only incorporate but often require active audience participation, transforming the viewer from passive spectator to active participant. Kwastek analyzes several artistic projects that use technologies such as augmented reality, motion sensors and interactive interfaces, discussing how these technologies change our aesthetic experience. The book is an important resource for understanding how new technologies are redefining the foundations of contemporary art and aesthetic experience.
“Practical Aesthetics: Events, Affects and Art After 9/11” by Jill Bennett (2012)
Jill Bennett examines art in the post-9/11 era, focusing on how global traumatic events influence and are represented in contemporary art. The book offers a perspective on how art can be used to process and respond to trauma and crisis, with specific examples illustrating how artists approach these issues. Bennett discusses the role of art as a medium for the exploration and communication of emotional and collective experiences.
The five selected books offer a deep and varied immersion in contemporary aesthetics, exploring how art and aesthetic perception evolve and interact with the social, cultural and technological dynamics of our time. Each text brings a unique perspective on how we understand, experience, and value art in everyday life and in extraordinary contexts.
