A strikingly original work; Friends of Interpretable Objects re-anchors aesthetics in the object of attention even as it redefines the practice; processes; meaning; and uses of interpretation.Miguel Tamens concern is to show how inanimate objects take on life through their interpretation--notably; in our own culture; as they are collected and housed in museums. It is his claim that an object becomes interpretable only in the context of a "society of friends." Thus; Tamen suggests; our inveterate tendency as human beings to interpret the phenomenal world gives objects not only a life but also a society. As his work unfolds; "friends" also takes on a legal sense; as advocates; introduced to advance the argument that the social life of interpreted and interpretable objects engenders a related web of social obligations.Focusing on those who; through interpretation; make objects "speak" in settings as different as churches; museums; forests; and distant galaxies--those who know the best interests of corporations; endangered species; and works of art--Tamen exposes the common ground shared by art criticism; political science; tort law; and science. Learned and witty; with much to teach art historians; environmentalists; anthropologists; curators; and literary critics; his book utterly reorients our understanding of how we make sense of our world.
#1437927 in eBooks 2010-02-06 2010-02-10File Name: B0037BS31W
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Funny as Hell -- noBy BiglickbrewerFunny as Hell -- no. funnier. Classic Shepard repartee yet loaded with surprises. And as for the title: it isnt what you might think!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Worth Picking UpBy CustomerThis play by renowned playright Sam Shepard was entertaining enough. However. its anti-war political agenda was too obvious and not enough to vault this play to a lasting level of literary greatness. All that aside though. the storyline carries the reader/viewer along and reads fast enough that it might be worth picking up.-- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Welcome the Menace of Our Govt come to RoostBy AcoI am now feeling very thankful for the existence of Sam Shepard. Here is someone aware and in touch with the current state of American pseudo-Patriotism. and its appropriation of the essentials of American "values."Frank and Emma are Wisconsin farmers. raising cattle all alone in the Heartland. Though Frank has taken in an old friend. Haynes and let him stay in the basement. After Haynes arrives. Welch shortly appears. full of eerie entitlement. red. white and blue cookies. American flags galore and a suspicion of Haynes presence. Much to the chagrin of Emma. Welch thinks nothing of the house. the front door. the property and the conventions of any social etiquette (i.e. civil liberties). Haynes meanwhile is on edge and frightened at the static charges he emits when touched. the mention of an institution from which he recently left and The God of Hell.What The God of Hell is Ill not mention. but the implications of the government. specifically the Bush Administrations willingness to advocate torture. the heightened disregard of the common man and his home. and the insanity of nuclear production and the decimation our own land are thick and clear.Shepard has created a swift one act. three scenes. in one setting. a kitchen/living room of Frank and Emmas home. which itself radiates a tension of menace and: "Were suddenly stung by our duty to a higher purpose. Our natural loyalties fall in line and were amazed how simple it is to honor out one true heritage."
