Passages in Modern Sculpture

Passages in Modern Sculpture examines the development and evolution of sculpture from Rodin to the 1970s. Through detailed analysis of specific works and artistic movements, Krauss traces how sculpture transformed from a static, commemorative medium into a dynamic form of expression. The book centers on key shifts in sculptural practice, including the move away from narrative representation, the incorporation of temporal experience, and the relationship between objects and space. Krauss analyzes works by influential artists including Constantin Brancusi, Marcel Duchamp, Donald Judd, and Richard Serra. Each chapter focuses on particular aspects of modern sculpture, from surface and depth to space and time, building a comprehensive framework for understanding the medium's progression. The text is supported by photographs and detailed descriptions of individual works. The study presents sculpture as a critical battleground for fundamental questions about art, perception, and the nature of experience itself. Through this lens, Krauss reveals how sculptural innovations paralleled broader cultural and philosophical developments of the twentieth century.

Readers note this book works best for those with existing art history knowledge, as it assumes familiarity with many sculptural works and critical theory concepts. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear analysis of how sculpture evolved from 1800s to 1970s - Strong theoretical framework connecting different artistic movements - Detailed examination of space, time, and viewer experience - Quality photographs documenting key works Common criticisms: - Dense academic language makes it challenging for beginners - Some passages require multiple readings to grasp concepts - Limited coverage of non-Western and female artists - High price point for a relatively slim volume Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (243 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) One reader on Goodreads noted: "Her writing style is complex but rewards careful study." An Amazon reviewer stated: "Not for casual reading but offers deep insights for serious students of sculpture."

The Originality of the Avant-Garde and Other Modernist Myths by Rosalind Krauss Examines modernist art through seminal essays that explore themes of authenticity, reproduction, and the photographic in twentieth-century sculpture and painting.

The Language of Sculpture by William Tucker Traces the development of modern sculpture through detailed analyses of form, space, and material from Rodin to the 1970s.

Modern Sculpture: A Concise History by Herbert Read Chronicles the transformation of sculptural practice from the nineteenth century through modernism with focus on technical innovations and theoretical frameworks.

Inside the White Cube by Brian O'Doherty Investigates how gallery spaces shape the meaning and reception of modern art through examination of spatial context and institutional frameworks.

Sculpture in the Age of Doubt by Thomas McEvilley Maps the philosophical and cultural shifts that influenced sculptural practices from modernism through postmodernism with emphasis on conceptual developments.

🗿 Published in 1977, this groundbreaking work was one of the first major studies to examine sculpture through the lens of temporality rather than just spatial relationships. 🎨 Rosalind Krauss co-founded the influential art journal "October" in 1976, which revolutionized art criticism and theory in America. 🏛️ The book challenges traditional views by arguing that modern sculpture began with Rodin's "Gates of Hell" rather than with abstraction in the early 20th century. ✨ Krauss developed the concept of the "expanded field" in sculpture, which helped explain how postmodern artists could consider photography, landscape, and architecture as sculptural forms. 🎓 While writing this book, Krauss was a professor at Hunter College and MIT, bringing academic rigor to what had previously been a more subjective field of art criticism.