Art's Properties

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From the modern period to the present, artworks embody a paradox: they promise rich aesthetic experiences and innovation while also serving as luxury commodities for a global elite. This work proposes a new understanding of this paradox by linking art's qualities—its properties—to its status as commercial property. Esteemed art historian David Joselit argues that art's fundamental ontological property is its ability to provide access to experiences of alterity, or the state of being different. These experiences can manifest as divine imagery or the utopian aspects of minimalist forms. Joselit further examines the relationship between art and infinitude, noting that each artwork can host countless events and encounters with viewers over time. However, this infinitude is limited when art becomes property, serving merely as representation. In the modern era, white artists are often perceived as embodying a neutral national character, while artists of color are frequently tasked with representing their assigned identities. Instead of this dynamic, the work advocates for prioritizing narration over representation. While representation is finite, narration is limitless, able to encompass the myriad stories an artwork can evoke. By focusing on the forms of narration within art, this exploration delves into its infinite aesthetic and material alterity.