The Transfiguration of the Commonplace - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Transfiguration of the Commonplace: A Philosophy of Art (1981) stands as Arthur Danto's seminal work in aesthetic philosophy, fundamentally reshaping contemporary understanding of art theory and criticism. This groundbreaking text emerged from Danto's encounter with Andy Warhol's Brillo Box installation in 1964, a moment that sparked his lifelong exploration of what distinguishes art from non-art objects.
Published during a transformative period in art history, the book arrived when traditional aesthetic theories struggled to account for contemporary art movements like Pop Art, Minimalism, and Conceptual Art. Danto, then a professor at Columbia University, crafted a philosophical framework that addressed the increasingly blurred boundaries between everyday objects and artistic works. His concept of the "artworld" – a term he introduced in his 1964 essay "The Artworld" – reached its full theoretical development in this volume.
The book's central thesis revolves around the notion that what transforms a mere object into an artwork isn't its physical properties but rather its relationship to art history, theory, and interpretation. Danto illustrates this through thought experiments involving indiscernible objects, most famously comparing identical red squares that serve different purposes – as a geometric study, a minimalist painting, or a historical representation. This philosophical investigation extends beyond mere aesthetic theory, engaging with fundamental questions about representation, reality, and human perception.
Danto's work continues to influence contemporary art criticism and philosophical aesthetics, particularly in discussions about institutional theory of art and the role of interpretation in artistic meaning. The book's impact resonates in current debates about digital art, AI-generated artwork, and the nature of creativity itself. Its enduring legacy lies not only in its theoretical contributions but in its ability to illuminate the mysterious transformation that occurs when ordinary objects become extraordinary through artistic context and intent. Modern scholars and critics still grapple with Danto's central question: what makes something art? This persistent inquiry ensures the book's relevance in an era where the boundaries between art and everyday life become increasingly permeable.