Making Theory/Constructing Art: On the Authority of the Avant-Garde

This text examines and critiques the norms, assumptions, historical conditions, and institutions that have framed the development and uses of art theory. Spurred by the theoretical claims of Arthur Danto, a leader in the philosophy of the avant-garde, Herwitz re-examines the art and theory of major figures in the avant-garde movement including John Cage, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Jean Baudrillard and Andy Warhol.