Psychosis and the Sublime in American Art: Rothko and Smithson
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Martin, Timothy D.
Date published
2010
Abstract
This paper addresses the work of Mark Rothko (1903–1970) and Robert Smithson (1938–1973), and, referring to the philosopher Kant and psychoanalyst Lacan, discusses how the sublime can have a psychotic aspect. It argues that Kant’s categorical imperative, for all its attempts to exclude self-interest and the pathological aspects of the hypothetical imperative, establishes a frame not only for sublime aesthetic experience but also for psychotic delusion.
Journal title
Tate Papers
Issue
13
Publisher
Tate
Place of publication
UK
ISSN
1753-9854
Rights statement
In Copyright