Reassessing modernism: Katherine S. Dreier and the Societe Anonyme.
Item
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Title
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Reassessing modernism: Katherine S. Dreier and the Societe Anonyme.
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Identifier
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AAI9946133
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identifier
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9946133
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Creator
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Angeline, John David.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Rose-Carol Washton Long
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Date
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1999
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Art History | Women's Studies | American Studies
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Abstract
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In 1920 Katherine S. Dreier, along with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray, founded the Societe Anonyme, which became the first modern art museum in America. Although Dreier's efforts to aid the development of modernism were at times unparalleled in this country, she has become a somewhat neglected figure in the history of 20th century art.;This dissertation seeks to reassess Dreier's efforts and achievements by focusing on four major aspects of her activities: her role as a museum director, her function as a bridge between American modernism and its German and Soviet counterparts, her attempts at social reform through art, and her place in the context of women art patrons.;By re-examining Dreier's ideas and innovations in these areas, we are able to determine not only a more prominent place for Dreier in the history of modernism, but also to expand our parameters as to what modernism includes. Many of Dreier's areas of activity have only recently become the focus of art historians, such as her involvement with Dada, her breakdown of the traditional Universal Survey Museum, her identity as a woman professional in the arts, and her refusal to privilege Parisian modernism above anything else. These are issues that are only now beginning to merit scholarship and attention, and by recognizing Dreier's role in these matters, we may come to realize that our accepted modern/postmodern binarisms are due for a reassessment.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
