The Return of the Real: Art and Theory at the End of the Century (October Books)

Hal Fosters book about art theory from 1960 till today is a very good book in many ways.His subject is complex but he writes in a direct way and if you're interested in the subject you will appreciate the relative ease with which he writes about his complex subject.Especially his critique of Peter Bürger and his "theory of the avantgarde" is good I think. He engages in a discussion with the German art theorist in a very enlightening way.Also his use of Lacan and his screen that shows "the real" is very nuanced. You begin to appreciate the new art in a way you didn't before you started reading this book.All through the book you sense the writer's strong commitment to his subject. He really loves modern art and you feel it reading his book.A great book.

Just what I needed. Thanks