The Dehumanization of Art - José Ortega y Gasset | Full Reading & Discussion

Hi folks!

For the second entry in this brief series on art theory and aesthetics, we will be diving into Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset's 1925 essay The Dehumanization of Art. As an attempt to grapple with the newness of "non-representational art," Ortega y Gasset's navigation (and, at times, defense) of modernity feels like a stellar, contradictory, anti-romantic, etc. spiritual follow-up to Paglia's pagan Nietzschean Freudian ancients-admiring brouhaha that was Sexual Personae.

While I had hoped to read through the entirety of Paglia's text, I think that her argument is so perfectly summed up in the first 40 pages that spending the next two months tracing its application through history is captured time that could be used to explore new ideas. So, here we are. Ortega-ing and Gasset-ing.
While it's not required, I would encourage everyone to at least familiarize themselves with Paglia's thought, as I'm sure it'll be referenced a decent amount in our discussion (reach out to me if you want resources or have any questions).

We will be reading this essay in its entirety. I will be reading this edition from Princeton University Press, translated by Helene Weyl (I think?). It is also available for free here via Monoskop. Seems like it sits between 30-50ish pages, depending on your copy - so, totally manageable despite the last-minute nature of this meet-up.

I typically say it's fine if you aren't able to finish the text, but in this case, let's knock it out folks. As always, come armed with opinions, slogans, and dogmatisms or, at the very least, some art + book recommendations for the squad.

We will be meeting in the Ace Hotel lobby on W 29th. There is coffee, breakfast, and booze. Message me the day of if you can't find us. We usually sit toward the back of the lobby next to the bar.

As always, this group is open to newcomers to Ortega y Gasset (guilty), novices of philosophy (+ art, theory, criticism, etc.), ragamuffins, ne'er-do-wells, urchins of all sorts, etc. All insights are encouraged, just be somewhat sensible and all the way cool. Ain't no fun to be found in nodding your head along with a thinker for a hundred pages - strive to disagree, with decency.

Alright, looking forward to it - again, reach out to me with any questions or concerns in the meantime.

See ya then,
Hamp