How New York Stole the Idea of Modern Art - Paperback

by Serge Guilbaut (Author), Arthur Goldhammer (Translator)

"A provocative interpretation of the political and cultural history of the early cold war years. . . . By insisting that art, even art of the avant-garde, is part of the general culture, not autonomous or above it, he forces us to think differently not only about art and art history but about society itself."--New York Times Book Review

Back Jacket

Why was New York abstract expressionism so successful after World War II? To answer that question, Serge Guilbaut takes a controversial look at the complicated, intertwining relationship among art, politics, and ideology. He explores the changing New York and Paris art scenes of the Cold War period, the rejection by artists of political ideology, and the coopting by left-wing writers and politicians of the artistic revolt.

Author Biography

Serge Guilbaut is professor and department head in the Department of Fine Arts at the University of British Columbia.