Submission Format:
MS Word Format is preferred but PDF is also acceptable.
Required Length:
Your essay should have a minimum of 1000 words and should not exceed 1500 (4-6 double spaced pages)
Research and Works Cited:
You must include at least three high-quality source (and at least one for each of the artists mentioned below). Use in-text citations to indicate when you are referencing a source and include a works cited page at the end of your document. Sources/Bibliographies and long quotes do not count towards your minimum word count.
Paper Directions:
SEE CROSS-CULTURAL AESTHETICS – Part 7, 8 & 9 VIDEOS FOR DETAILS & EXAMPLES
The French artist ORLAN has undergone years of plastic surgery in order to resemble icons of beauty from the western art cannon. The American artist Chris Burden has been shot, crucified and nearly starved to death in his performances. Both of them have modified (or for Burden injured & endangered) their own bodies and presented them as artworks or art performances. Your paper should answer…
(1) According to Dutton’s Cluster Criteria* for art, should ORLAN’s modified body be considered an artwork? Should Burden’s “performances” such as Shoot (1971) Transfixed (1974) or Through the Night Softly (1973) be considered art? Yes? No? Indeterminate but leaning towards art? Indeterminate but leaning towards not-art?
(2) Does either one of them have stronger claim to being an artwork than the other, and why? Be sure to include some discussion of how each of the cluster criteria below would either apply or fail to apply in these cases. Also include discussion on whether or not you think any of the cluster criteria should be “weighted” more strongly than the other.
(3) Also, identify at least one aesthetic theory/definition of art that would arrive at a conclusion significantly different conclusion from the cluster criteria approach. Explain why its conclusion is different and which conclusion seems more reasonable to you. This portion of the essay should share your opinion on the validity of the cluster approach as a definition of art (in comparison to other approaches).
Dutton’s Cluster Criteria for Art:
These criteria are outlined in Section II of A Naturalist Definition of Art Download A Naturalist Definition of ArtPreview the document by Dennis Dutton*
1. Skill
2. Direct pleasure
3. Style
4.Criticism
5. Representation
6. Special focus
7. Imaginative Experience
8. Novelty or Creativity
9. Expressive Individuality
10. Emotional Saturation
11. Intellectual Challenge
12. Art traditions or institutions
*The attentive student may note and be confused that D. Dutton denies his “recognition criteria” qualify as a Cluster Theory in this paper. Dutton eventually changed his mind on this and described the criteria as a cluster theory in The Art Instinct (2009). The book version of the criteria (which is nearly identical to the paper above) is available here Download here.
Rubric
Aesthetics Paper Rubric
Aesthetics Paper Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument / Support
The student writes a strong, concise and clear argument which is supported by reasoning and evidence.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVocabulary / Concepts
The student generously employs concepts from Philosophy of Art in making their argument. The student demonstrates understanding of these concepts by using them accurately.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle
The paper is grammatically correct with no spelling errors and follows MLA format.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure
The paper is readable and easy to follow. The student stays focused on their subject and presents their case in a logical order.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRequirements
Directions have been followed. The paper is written in a professional tone. It meets the required minimum word count. The paper contains in-text citations of sources and a works cited page which follows MLA format.
10 pts
Total Points: 50