LECTURE 3 Sep 18, 2013
"A Picture is Worth" - Re-viewing Aesthetics for the Relational
Main Points:
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Relational aesthetics (according to art therapist Catherine Moon) provides us with an alternative way to engage the arts by emphasizing a desire to find connections with the art and artist to increase our understanding of world, others and self
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In order to approach art with a relational aesthetic, it is important to maintain a stance of curiosity and wonder (I-Thou), while putting aside criticism and judgment (I-It)
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When re-viewed, traditional aesthetic theories provide frameworks for engaging art by considering subjective truth (Plato), integrating emotion and reason (Aristotle), connecting to spirit or essence (traditional Chinese and Indian aesthetics), appreciating general preferences and personal taste, as well as, experiencing the sublime (Kant), experiencing and expressing emotions (Langer) and overcoming existential terror to affirm life (Nietzsche).
Video Links:
1. Scene from the movie Art School Confidential (2006)
Food for Thought:
What is beauty? In this scene, we see a comedic take on an art school critique that makes us question whether beauty is relation to technical proficiency or to a sense of “humanity” What do you think?
2.Scene from the movie Skyfall (2012)
Food for Thought:
Does JMW Turner’s (1838) The Fighting Temeraire represent the “inevitability of time” or is it just a “big ship”? Students in class saw “sunset,” “beautiful sea,” and one identified the form of a woman. What do you see?
3. Scene from Revelations (1960/ 2012)
Food for Thought:
Alvin Ailey’s signature piece served as an example for re-viewing Suzanne Langer’s theory that “Art is the creation of forms symbolic of human feeling.” Students commented on experiencing the feelings of excitement, sadness, salvation, and hope at different moments in the clip.
Photos:
Further Information:
Art of the Sublime Exhibit at the Tate Britain in 2010: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/display/art-and-sublime
Moon, C. H. (2002). Studio art therapy: Cultivating the artist identity in the art therapist. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley. [Chapter 6: A Relational Aesthetic]