Transformative Aesthetics

Aesthetic theory in the West has until now been dominated by ideas of effect autonomy and reception. Transformative Aesthetics uncovers these theories’ mutual concern with the transformation of those involved. From artists to spectators readers listeners or audiences the idea of transformation is one familiar to cultures across the globe. Transformation of the individual is only one part of this aesthetic phenomenon as contemporary artists are increasingly called upon to have a transformative sustainable impact on society at large. To this end Erika Fischer Lichte and Benjamin Wihstutz present a series of fresh perspectives on the discussion of aesthetics uniting Western theory with that of India China Australia and beyond. Each chapter of Transformative Aesthetics focuses on a different approach to transformation from the foundations of aesthetics to contemporary theories breaking new ground to establish a network of thought that spans theatre performance art history cultural studies and philosophy.