PUBLIC TALK: SymbioticA Friday Seminar> The conditions of visibility of Artworks and their Affect

SymbioticA Friday Seminar> Title: The conditions of visibility of Artworks and their Affect; Speaker: Dr Laura D’Olimpio; Time & Location: 3:30-5pm @ SymbioticA;

"Affect, in aesthetic theory, denotes the impact of an artwork upon the viewer. At a subtle level we engage with, and respond to, our seen and unseen environment. The emotional response or the impact that is evoked in us by nature or by artworks can make us pause and take time to consciously observe and appreciate the visible manifestation of invisible workings. It is the affective response engendered by truly wonderful artworks that is remembered. In this talk I intend to explore the notion of “conditions of visibility” of artworks as conditions that are necessary and jointly sufficient to create an aesthetic experience for the viewer engaging with an artwork. Such an experience should link to the artist’s intention. In particular, I engage with the Conceptual nature of contemporary Australian artist Steven Morgana’s work, and liken its affect to Walter Benjamin’s notion of the ‘aura’ that emanates from good art."

Dr Laura D’Olimpio completed her PhD The Moral Possibilities of Mass Art at The University of Western Australia in 2009. Her Thesis examines the moral impact of mass artworks, particularly film, in society. Laura’s research areas include aesthetics and ethics, philosophy and education and moral philosophy. Laura teaches at The University of Notre Dame as well as runs courses in ethics, aesthetics and philosophy and literature for The University of Western Australia Extension. She is also involved with the Association for Philosophy in Schools, Inc.

More Info: http://www.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/activities/friday_afternoons