Relational Aesthetics

Relational Aesthetics

Relational Aesthetics was coined by curator Nicolas Bourriaud in the 1990s, referring to art that centres on human relations.

Nicholas Bourriaud authored the influential book 'Relational Aesthetics' to assert that art's aesthetic value should be assessed based on its ability to facilitate interaction and dialogue, rather than solely on its content or individual meaning.


Other words in the glossary


Building your collection? We can help.


Your questions, answered

Parra's studio, with Parra at the centre, his back to the camera as he works on the large painting takes centre stage, showing a faceless blue woman in a striped dress, painted in red, purple, blue and teal. The studio is full of brightly coloured paints, with a large window on the right and a patterned rug across the floor under the painting.