Lipovetsky, Gilles e Serroy , Jean (2014). O capitalismo estético na era da globalização, Lisboa: Edições 70

Abstract

By means of notorious chameleonic and metamorphic abilities, capitalism modifies societies, through silent historical pathways, indelible processes and accurate objectives. Following its nature, capitalism appropriates the formerly autonomous realm of arts, until then ruled by the independence and specific rules of the artists, bearers of control instruments, and specific mechanisms of choice and selection. The primal incompatibility between the artistic field and capitalism move into a stage where societies are steadily transformed in the consecration of an ‘artsy’ world, present in multiple dimensions, from the fashion industry to architecture, cinema and shopping malls, uttered in tasteless and swift changes. The authors reflect on the existence of a society based on hybridity, a constant search for pleasure, seduction and novelty, enterprising an impoverished artistic economy, disconnected from the erudite culture which reaches its climax in the ‘hypermodern epoch’, being characterised by ‘trans-aesthetic capitalism’ globally.