Art Theory for a Global Pluralistic Age

This book extends a theory of art that addresses the present era’s shift towards global pluralism. By focusing on extrinsic rather than intrinsic qualities of art, this book helps viewers evaluate art across cultural boundaries. Art can be universally classified by an evaluation of its guiding narrative, and can be understood and judged through hermeneutical methods. Since artists engage culture through various local, transnational, and emerging global narratives, it is difficult to decipher what standards are used for evaluation, and which authoritative body evaluates the work. This book implements a narrative-hermeneutical approach to properly classify an artwork and establish its meaning and value. 

“This book explores the place of art in the globalized world that has succeeded the deconstruction of modernism's West-centrism, commitment to progress, and belief in eternal verities. Artists now must negotiate the competing demands of local identities and of global, supra-cultural perspectives, and do so against a background that recognizes the validity of multiple narratives and of changing, elusive values. This rewarding book maps this new artistic environment and the challenges it creates for art.” (Stephen Davies, Ph.D., Author of The Artful Species (Oxford University Press, 2012), The Philosophy of Art (Wiley-Blackwell 2016 2nd edn), and Adornment: What self-decoration tells us about who we are (Bloomsbury, 2020). Former President of the American Society for Aesthetics)

“In Art Theory for a Global Pluralistic Age, Steven Felix-Jager reminds us that the world is not simply changing. Instead, change itself has changed. This is certainly the case in society at large, yes, but in this text Felix-Jager focuses on the ways in which the increasingly globalized, pluralistic context of late modernity has shifted our understanding of what art "is," how it is created, and what it means for individuals and communities to consume and make use of it. If we respond in the same old ways to this ever-emerging situation, then we are fundamentally misunderstanding not only art, but what it means to be a member of contemporary society, which is exactly why Felix-Jager's proposal is both compelling and timely. I highly recommend this book.” (Kutter Callaway, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Theology and Culture, Fuller Seminary, author of The Aesthetics of Atheism: Theology and Imagination in Contemporary Culture)

“As a visual artist working today, this book provided me the critical vocabulary I need to intelligently name what I am doing, and how what I make relates to the broader Art world. Félix-Jäger clearly and eloquently breaks down step-by-step how our contemporary art world has arrived to it's current pluralistic state, demonstrates how to analyze it's complex theoretical functions, and evaluate various works of art within this nuanced system. Art Theory for a Global Pluralistic Age illuminated better understanding of my own creative practice in our current global society, and I recommend it as a must read for any artist or art student interested in contextualizing their practice. Both my artwork and artist statement will benefit from this text—it's timely, relevant, important and I cannot wait to read it again!” (Joyce Yu-Jean Lee, Artist and Assistant Professor of Art & Digital Media, Marist College)

“Globalization has radically transformed how art is consumed in the 21^st century and Félix-Jäger suggests that narrative is the key aspect to properly engaging the arts. While we often dream of linear modern ideals or postmodern deconstruction of the past, Félix-Jäger instead offers a flexible theory that is able to contextualize and circle around artworks for our present pluralist era. An important read for artists, students, and scholars who are serious about their role in the globalized world.” (G. James Daichendt, Ed.D., Dean of the Colleges and Vice-Provost for Undergraduate Studies, Point Loma Nazarene University)

Steven Félix-Jäger is assistant professor at Life Pacific University and chair of the worship arts and media program.