Doubt

In an age where art historys questions are now expected to receive answersRichard Shiff presents a challenging alternative. In this essential newaddition to Jam... » 

In an age where art historys questions are now expected to receive answersRichard Shiff presents a challenging alternative. In this essential newaddition to James Elkinss series Theories of Modernism and Postmodernism inthe Visual Arts Richard Shiff embraces doubt as a critical tool and asks howparticular histories of art have come to be.Shiffs turn to doubt is not a retreat to relativism but rather aninsistence on clear thinking about art. In particular Shiff takes issue withthe style of selfreferential art writing seemingly licensed by RolandBarthes. With an introduction by Rosie Bennett Doubt is a study of the tensionbetween practicing art and practicing criticism. «