COURSE DESCRIPTION

By examining a range of works from both Eastern and Western traditions, explore how philosophical ideas such as existentialism, transcendence, and revelation have shaped both artistic expression and how viewers interpret and engage with art. As John Berger noted, the experience of art can be a ritualistic act, setting it apart from everyday life. This class will guide you through the process of seeing, interpreting, and appreciating art, inviting you to consider the role of art in society and its impact on individual lives.

Image: B. B. Olshin, “Meditative Drawing No.1”, marker, pencil, and watercolour wash, n.d.

SYLLABUS

• Syllabus: Viewing Art Through the Lens of Philosophy and Human Experience

LECTURES

• LECTURE 1: Critiques: The Art of Looking at Art

• LECTURE 2: The Existential Condition in Art

• LECTURE 3: Transcendent Landscapes and Revelation in Art

• LECTURE 4: Art in Society… Or Not