David J. Getsy Books

Exploring the innovative work of Scott Burton, this book delves into his performance art and sculptures that reflect queer experiences and the vibrant sexual cultures of 1970s New York City. David J. Getsy highlights Burton's focus on nonverbal communication and public behaviors, particularly street cruising, as a means to redefine art's audience and impact. Through extensive research, Getsy reveals how Burton's art engaged with themes of power, identity, and functionality, positioning him as a pivotal figure in queer art history post-Stonewall.

Focusing on the late-Victorian sculptors of the New Sculpture movement, this book delves into their innovative approaches to representing the human body. David J. Getsy highlights the sophistication of artists like Frederic Leighton and Alfred Gilbert, revealing their efforts to breathe life into traditional statue formats. By examining their art-theoretical concerns, Getsy situates these sculptors within the broader context of modern sculpture, emphasizing their quest to create works that embody both vitality and idealism.

Exploring the intersection of art and identity, this analysis delves into 1960s abstract sculpture through the lenses of transgender studies and queer theory. It challenges traditional interpretations of the era's artistic movements, offering fresh insights into how these sculptures reflect and engage with themes of gender and sexuality. By blending art history with contemporary theories, the work invites readers to reconsider the cultural significance of abstract forms and their relation to personal and collective identities.