Transformative Arts

Biological, Digital, and Everyday Aesthetics

Online Access / Resources

Transformative Arts

Biological, Digital, and Everyday Aesthetics

Online Access / Resources

Paperback ~~$49.95~~ $44.95 Hardback ~~$124.50~~ $112.05 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) ~~$44.95~~ $35.96 Ebook (PDF) ~~$44.95~~ $35.96

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Description

Traditional fine arts are often regarded as rarefied, something accessed by the uniquely talented and displayed in impressive museums or on lavish stages. Art thusly conceived is something that most people never practice in their lives. Yet in day-to-day life we all experience creative satisfaction through interaction with the physical and social environment that is a form of artistic practice. In Transformative Arts: Biological, Digital, and Everyday Aesthetics, Gary A. Berg explores what we gain through understanding ways to live imaginative lives and considers the increasingly important collaborative role of computers and interaction with nature.

Introduction
Starting Point
Shaping Questions
Plan for the Book
Conclusion
Chapter One: The Origin and Evolution of Western Aesthetics
Philosophical Foundations
Spirituality and Art
Religious Traditions and Art
The Sublime and Transcendence
Modern and Contemporary Scholars on Art and Spirituality
Modern Aesthetics
Psychological Perspectives
Conclusion
Chapter Two: Beyond Western Aesthetics
Anthropological Foundations
Regional Histories and Contrasts
Cross-cultural Patterns
Beauty in Disinterestedness
Beauty of Spirituality and Transcendence
Beauty of Imperfection and Process
Beauty Every Day
Conclusion
Chapter Three: The Aesthetics of the Everyday
European Precursors
John Dewey and Art as Experience
Aesthetics of the Everyday
Conclusion
Chapter Four: Digital Art
Origins
Machine Learning and Art
Deep Learning
Generative Adversarial Networks
Applications Using Text Prompts to Create Art
Robotics
Computers in Music and Literature
Computers and Performing Arts
Computers and Consciousness
Conclusion
Chapter Five: Biological Art
Using Technology to Uncover Beauty Up Close and Far Away
Animal Art
Development of Bio Art
Humans Interacting with Living Organisms
Conclusion
Conclusion
Primary Questions
Impact of Computer and Biological Advancements on Aesthetics
Power of Everyday Aesthetics
Conclusion
Bibliography
About the Author

Product details

Published	Mar 02 2024
Format	Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition	1st
Extent	164
ISBN	9781475872545
Imprint	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Illustrations	40 b/w photos
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Gary A. Berg

Gary A. Berg, PhD, MFA, is the author or editor of…

An interesting follow-up to A Career in the Arts: The Complex Learning and Career Needs of Creative Professionals (CH,Jan'23, 60-1281), this well-researched volume concisely traces the history of aesthetics through philosophers, artists, scientists, and scholars and considers the place of digital and biological art in creative practice. Its strength lies in its accessible structure. The introduction provides a clear road map of the narrative. Extensive notes and a well-curated bibliography provide additional sources for exploration and further enhance the scholarly merit. While primarily useful as a brief survey of aesthetics, the book nonetheless addresses emergent dialogues surrounding AI, biotechnological advancements in art, and the intersection of art, culture, and technology.: Recommended. Lower-division through advanced undergraduates.

Choice Reviews
Gary Berg provides a thoughtful, extremely well-researched analysis of the systemic challenges and potential opportunities for creative professionals as they pursue their careers. This “bird’s eye view” of the field will be extremely helpful to individual artists in their quest as well as to arts executives, policymakers and educators seeking to strengthen the cultural ecosystem and support artists in their efforts to bring joy, beauty and a sense of our shared humanity to our communities.

Rachel S. Moore, President & CEO of The Music Center and author of The Artist's Compass: The Complete Guide to Building a Life and a Living in the Performing Arts
The book’s appearance coincides with a moment of profound changes in creative lives (and not only professions!) of all kinds and is driven by data, not opinion, regarding creative worlds that need facts today as much as they do artists and their audiences. I recommend it whole-heartedly.

Brett Steele, Dean UCLA School of the Arts & Architecture
Berg's apt, well-researched, well-written book is both poetic and pragmatic…. Invaluable for all who are in the creative arts or interested in pursuing the vast and varied career options in the arts. Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews