11. The Engaged Spectator: Relational Aesthetics and Installation Art

Question 1

RELATIONAL AESTHETICS – BASIC TRAITS

Answer 1

• International movement 1990s–2000s.
• Theorized by Nicolas Bourriaud with the book Relational Aesthetics (1998; 2002).
• Works that stimulate the viewer’s participation.
• Most works are installations or interactive environments.
• Emphasis on the temporal experience of the viewers.
• References to Happening, Performance Art and Institutional Critique.
• Only a few basic references to the coeval diffusion of the Internet.
• Major figures: Félix González-Torres, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Carsten Holler.