Representations of Pain in Art and Visual Culture

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, General Art, Criticism, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book Representations of Pain in Art and Visual Culture by , Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781136213021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 26, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781136213021
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 26, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The presentation of bodies in pain has been a major concern in Western art since the time of the Greeks. The Christian tradition is closely entwined with such themes, from the central images of the Passion to the representations of bloody martyrdoms. The remnants of this tradition are evident in contemporary images from Abu Ghraib. In the last forty years, the body in pain has also emerged as a recurring theme in performance art.

Recently, authors such as Elaine Scarry, Susan Sontag, and Giorgio Agamben have written about these themes. The scholars in this volume add to the discussion, analyzing representations of pain in art and the media. Their essays are firmly anchored on consideration of the images, not on whatever actual pain the subjects suffered. At issue is representation, before and often apart from events in the world.

Part One concerns practices in which the appearance of pain is understood as expressive. Topics discussed include the strange dynamics of faked pain and real pain, contemporary performance art, international photojournalism, surrealism, and Renaissance and Baroque art. Part Two concerns representations that cannot be readily assigned to that genealogy: the Chinese form of execution known as lingchi (popularly the "death of a thousand cuts"), whippings in the Belgian Congo, American lynching photographs, Boer War concentration camp photographs, and recent American capital punishment. These examples do not comprise a single alternate genealogy, but are united by the absence of an intention to represent pain. The book concludes with a roundtable discussion, where the authors discuss the ethical implications of viewing such images.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The presentation of bodies in pain has been a major concern in Western art since the time of the Greeks. The Christian tradition is closely entwined with such themes, from the central images of the Passion to the representations of bloody martyrdoms. The remnants of this tradition are evident in contemporary images from Abu Ghraib. In the last forty years, the body in pain has also emerged as a recurring theme in performance art.

Recently, authors such as Elaine Scarry, Susan Sontag, and Giorgio Agamben have written about these themes. The scholars in this volume add to the discussion, analyzing representations of pain in art and the media. Their essays are firmly anchored on consideration of the images, not on whatever actual pain the subjects suffered. At issue is representation, before and often apart from events in the world.

Part One concerns practices in which the appearance of pain is understood as expressive. Topics discussed include the strange dynamics of faked pain and real pain, contemporary performance art, international photojournalism, surrealism, and Renaissance and Baroque art. Part Two concerns representations that cannot be readily assigned to that genealogy: the Chinese form of execution known as lingchi (popularly the "death of a thousand cuts"), whippings in the Belgian Congo, American lynching photographs, Boer War concentration camp photographs, and recent American capital punishment. These examples do not comprise a single alternate genealogy, but are united by the absence of an intention to represent pain. The book concludes with a roundtable discussion, where the authors discuss the ethical implications of viewing such images.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book China's Energy Security by
Cover of the book Public Policy in the United States by
Cover of the book Festival Encounters by
Cover of the book Private and Public by
Cover of the book Perspectives on Intellectual Capital by
Cover of the book African Americans and the Presidency by
Cover of the book Sustainable Ocean Governance by
Cover of the book Intercultural Business Negotiations by
Cover of the book Social Work by
Cover of the book Emotions as Commodities by
Cover of the book Valuing Natural Assets by
Cover of the book ISO 14001 by
Cover of the book Cranfield on Corporate Sustainability by
Cover of the book Contracting for Project Management by
Cover of the book The Politics of New Media Theatre by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy