Gursky, Ruff, Demand: allegories of the real and the return of history

Matheson, N. 2007. Gursky, Ruff, Demand: allegories of the real and the return of history. in: Sutton, D., Brind, S. and McKenzie, R. (ed.) The state of the real: aesthetics in the digital age London, UK I.B. Tauris. pp. 38-47

Chapter titleGursky, Ruff, Demand: allegories of the real and the return of history
AuthorsMatheson, N.
EditorsSutton, D., Brind, S. and McKenzie, R.
Abstract

Focusing on the work of contemporary German photographers Thomas Demand, Andreas Gursky and Thomas Ruff, this essay argues that their work can be considered a modern form of ‘history painting’ and should be read in terms of allegory. The essay marks a break with dominant aesthetic readings of these works and reasserts the socio-political dimension of their practice.

Keywordsphotography, aesthetics, real
Book titleThe state of the real: aesthetics in the digital age
Page range38-47
Year2007
PublisherI.B. Tauris
Publication dates
Published2007
Place of publicationLondon, UK
ISBN1845110773

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