Aesthetics, Philosophy and Martin Creed

This philosophical exploration uses Martin Creed's boundary-pushing conceptual art as a lens to examine contemporary aesthetics and the evolving role of conceptualism in the 21st century. Schellekens masterfully connects Creed's diverse artistic practice—from his Turner Prize-winning installations to his musical compositions—to fundamental questions about aesthetic experience and artistic meaning. The book doesn't simply analyze Creed's work but uses it as a springboard to investigate what conceptual art can achieve today, making complex philosophical ideas accessible through concrete artistic examples. Readers encounter a sophisticated yet approachable discussion of how conceptualism continues to challenge our understanding of what constitutes art and why it matters.

What makes this philosophical investigation particularly compelling is how Schellekens positions Creed's work as embodying a new kind of conceptualism that reintegrates sensory experience without abandoning intellectual rigor. The book will resonate most with readers interested in contemporary art theory, philosophy of art, and anyone curious about where conceptual art might be heading next. Through careful analysis of Creed's seemingly simple yet profoundly complex creations, Schellekens demonstrates how aesthetic experience and conceptual depth can coexist in powerful ways. This thoughtful examination ultimately leaves readers with a renewed appreciation for how philosophical inquiry can illuminate the most innovative artistic practices of our time.