Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2015, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (3): 163-169.

• Studies in Western Literary Theory and Aesthetics • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Reflections on Gombrich's Art Theory in the Postmodern Context

Mu Baoqing, Zou Guangsheng
  

  1. the School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University (Ji’nan 250100, China); the Chinese Department, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou 310028, China)
  • Online:2015-05-25 Published:2015-07-10
  • About author:Mu Baoqing, Ph.D., is associate professor in the School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Shandong University (Ji'nan 250100, China), with research interests in Western art aesthetics and literary criticism. Zou Guangsheng, is a professor in the Chinese Department, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou 310028, China), with research interests in Western literary criticism and comparative poetics.

Abstract: The fundamental principle of Gombrich's art criticism lies in his adherence to the "golden mean" between innovation and tradition. The sensible art criticism relies on the impartial evaluation of the expressiveness of artistic works and artists' contribution to the establishment of paradigms and norms. However, some contemporary art theorists and critics argue that Gombrich's "golden mean" has actually been out of balance, due to his overemphasis on tradition and his critical attitude towards modern art. Accordingly, a critical survey of Gombrich's rational principle in the postmodern context, with a reflection on the tension and dialogue between traditional thoughts and modern concepts, is urgently required in contemporary art research field.

Key words: Gombrich, rational principle, postmodern, art theory