Bergson and the Art of Immanence

'This collection is focussed on a central problem: the necessity and the difficulty of thinking immanence, of getting within phenomena and reflecting on them as such. Among several concerns, the contributors attempt to bring art history to its true vocation, which is not only preservation but the provoking of new insights. Towards this goal the clarity of these essays is equalled by their vitality.' Pete A. Y. Gunter, University of North Texas An immanent turn in art history Bergson and the Art of Immanence brings Henri Bergson's philosophy of immanence together with the latest ideas in art-theory and the practice of immanent art as found in painting, photography and film. This collection of 14 new essays from world renowned art theorists, philosophers and Bergson-scholars provides both a wide historical context and a rigorous conceptual framework for contemporary art-theory and practice. It involves the concepts of rhythmic duration, perception, affectivity, the body, memory and intuition - all of which were given their first systematic theorisation in the twentieth century as immanent objects through the work of Bergson. The variety of perspectives and methodological approaches present new levels of exchange between art and theory and bring philosophy closer to the history of art. John Mullarkey is Professor of Film and Television at Kingston University. Charlotte de Mille is Lecturer in Art History at the University of Sussex. Cover image: Orientation. For Auguste Choisy © Stella Baraklianou, 2009. Cover design: [EUP logo] www.euppublishing.com