The structure of an aesthetic revolution

Abstract

Brought about through philosophical analysis — a first in the history of art — paradigm shifts in the ontology and epistemology of sculpture are described, motivated, and exemplified with pieces they inspired. Navigating the new aesthetic environment requires an ‘escape from Plato's Cave’ by means of a kind of phenomenological reduction. The new conceptual foundation allows artists unprecedented levels of freedom to explore and innovate, connects sculpture to music, and has the potential to enhance significantly the appreciation of art and its impact on contemporary culture. The algorithmic nature of my paradigms shows that art and science have more in common than previously thought.

Keywords:

• Brâncuşi dilemma
• directional perception
• mereotopology
• paradigm shift
• philosophical analysis
• sculpture