Abstract

This paper attempts to extend Hegelian aesthetic philosophy to account for contemporary artforms beyond those that Hegel identifies within the Aesthetics. It does so by offering a corrective interpretation of the so-called ‘end of art’ thesis, which claims that for Hegel after a certain point art ends, e.g., in favour of philosophy. The paper argues against this view by reading Hegel’s aesthetic philosophy phenomenologically. This preserves art as an indispensable form of absolute spirit. In fact, this paper claims that Hegel’s aesthetic philosophy unfolds in an examination of art that parallels the developments of material art production after Hegel, showing how this art production becomes increasingly conceptual and anthropomorphic, in ways that fit with Hegel’s views of artistic development. As such, this paper argues that Hegel’s philosophy not only preserves art as a relevant form of absolute spirit, but is an indispensable resource for examining novel artforms.