The abject in art. Extremely submissive or self-abasing: abject apologies. Repulsion and Desire in American Art” (Whitney Museum of American Art, 1993). . All Free. Definition of abject. According to Kristeva, the corpse is Abject art explores themes that challenge and disrupt our notions of cleanliness and propriety, often involving the body and bodily functions. Learn more. 3. ] Definition of abject adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Kristeva's theory of abjection is foundational, linking the maternal body to societal defilement and identity. Art abject; Germ. Feb 2, 2026 · abject (plural abjects) A person in the lowest and most despicable condition; an oppressed person; an outcast; also, such people as a class. 2. ABJECT definition: 1. [from early 16th c. A term developed by feminist philosopher Julia Kristeva in her seminal essay "Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection" (1982), which explored the human reaction to the fragmented, decayed, or impure human body. ABJECT definition: utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched. The article argues that abject art is inherently tied to the sphere of social reproduction and consequently it proliferates with economic recessions and downturns, when the Despite the popularity of abjection, and the use of the abject body in feminist theory and art since the 1980s, the risk of embracing abjection as a positive and affirming strategy for rethinking maternal subjectivity at times risks reproducing, rather than challenging, the cultural production of the mother as an object (Tyler 2009, 84). Significant exhibitions like 'Abject Art: Repulsion and Desire in American Art The Contemporary Debate: The State of the Art If, as said, the German artist Hans Bellmer can be considered a precursor of the Abject Art, with his work anticipating the contemporary artistic concerns about issues such as bodily integrity, hybridity, polymorphism, and sexual identity, one of the most influential figures on abjection in the visual arts was Georges Bataille, initially close to Sep 17, 2020 · Here I engage with the little-discussed video works of a much-discussed exhibition: “Abject Art. The meaning of ABJECT is sunk to or existing in a low state or condition : very bad or severe. Applied to works that reference functions or aspects of the body that are deemed impure or taboo—like wounds, illness, bodily fluids, and death. Aug 5, 2015 · Art The Twisted Delights of Abject Art During the summer, as Labor Day approaches and people flee the city for vacation, Ferris wheels and circus tents can be seen in the distance announcing the It. Abject art can take many forms The abject is a complex psychological, philosophical and linguistic concept developed by Julia Kristeva in her 1980 book Powers of Horror. If you describe someone as abject, you think they have no courage or respect for themselves. See examples of abject used in a sentence. Abject means absolutely miserable, the most unfortunate, with utter humiliation. Being of the most miserable kind; wretched: abject poverty; abject grief. Jan 15, 2016 · The Disgusting, The Formless and The Abject in Art Estere Kajema 15/01/2016 “If the world were clear, art would not exist” – famously wrote the French author Albert Camus in his essay, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942). abject - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. It often delves into the darker aspects of human existence, such as bodily functions, decay, and the abject aspects of the human body. the state of being extremely unhappy, poor, unsuccessful, etc. 1. 4. Thoroughgoing; complete. Arte abyecto. Click to learn more. See Synonyms at base 2. You might have heard the phrase abject poverty, which is the absolute worst, most hopeless level of poverty you've ever seen. How to use abject in a sentence. Abject art seeks to challenge societal norms and provoke strong emotional reactions from viewers. So, the “Abject” refers to supposed unsavoury aspects of life, especially concerning functions of the body assumed as Jan 15, 2026 · What is Abject Art? Abject art is a term used to describe artwork that explores themes of degradation, filth, and the grotesque. The abject is a complex psychological, philosophical and linguistic concept developed by Julia Kristeva in her 1980 book Powers of Horror. Extremely contemptible or degrading: abject cowardice. Abject art emerged in the 1990s, challenging societal norms through bodily and taboo representations. Feb 1, 2021 · This materialist reappraisal of ‘abject art’ locates Julia Kristeva’s concept of abjection (Kristeva, 1982) within the contradictory spheres of social and biological reproduction that are produced by capitalism. She was partly influenced by the earlier ideas of the French writer, thinker and dissident surrealist, Georges Bataille. : 2. The text explores intersections of abjection with gender, race, and class issues in contemporary art. Did you know? Synonym Discussion of Abject. Abjekt Kunst; Span. The word “abject” derives from the Latin word “abicere” (English: “to throw away” or “to cast off”) and the term “abjection” literally means “the state of being cast off”. Used to modify pejorative nouns: an abject failure. And he was correct, indeed – even though Marina Abramović, 33 years later, in some way disagrees with Camus by way of remarkably preaching: “Art must be beautiful, the Apr 27, 2015 · In Abject Art ’s introduction, the curators connect their exhibition to the American political climate of 1993, replete with pressures concerning neo-conservatism, the censorship of art, attacks on multiculturalism, the reproductive rights of women, and the pathologizing of queer people. Arte abietta; Fr. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels. showing no pride or respect….