ordinary aesthetics

I am working on my first sketches for a book. Reading aesthetic theory I’ve come to the conclusion that I have to do some thinking & writing on my own. Starting with Linda Nochlin’s essay Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? (1971) I will ask:
Is there any great women artist today?
What is a great artist?
What is great art?
Can minor stories make great art?
My theoretical inspiration will come from feminism, post-structuralism and hermeneutics. As of the situation today I believe art is very dependent upon theory and criticism. Art need a to enter a larger discourse to become art. This put a heavy responsibility on anyone entering this discourse – a responsibility that is both aesthetical and ethical.

Art History has focused on men’s art from men’s point of view. This has given us men’s story and interpretation of the world. I will be looking for alternatives, for other narratives, for contemporary art histories.

Here is where I’m going to start looking:
i. Helle Helle (literature)
ii. Rachel Whiteread (sculpture/installation)
iii. Liza Lou (sculpture/installation)
iv. Päivi Laakso (literaure)
v. Trude Marstein (literature)
vi. Aino Kannisto (photo)
vii. Vibeke Tandberg (photo)
viii. Ghada Amer (textile)