Subjects and objects
quick notes on the state of art history
pp. 263-272
in: John Deely, Margot D. Lenhart (eds), Semiotics 1981, Berlin, Springer, 1983Abstract
Neurath spoke of science as a boat which is in the process of reconstruction while simultaneously being kept afloat - a plank-by-plank procedure retaining at any one time the greater bulk of the vessel. The art community tends to behave as if it is in a similar sort of boat, but the reconstruction is not an orderly one. Passengers on the upper deck are irritable because the work keeps them awake. The workers quarrel over what should be done and occasionally hammer each other. Others complain that the results are beginning to be unrecognizable as a boat.