In Praise of Impurity: Universal Values versus Geo-aesthetics in Contemporary Art
David Elliott
Starting with genetic theory, research and a consideration of pre and early history, David Elliott will examine different kinds of pictorial creativity and how influence is, and always has been, spread through art and different types of cultural interchange.
He will argue that it is only relatively recently that this “natural” state of affairs been disrupted by ideas of nationhood which unfortunately stressed the separateness and hierarchy of cultures. He believes that this has had disastrous historical effects and, in spite of recent theories of “globalization,” has continued, in a debased form, to the present. Elliott argues that now, as before, it is the normal and desirable state of one culture to beg, steal and borrow from other cultures.
This, and the fact that all culture – even one’s own – has to be acquired, means that an openness of mind and willingness to learn are the basic tools that are needed to appreciate and enjoy what is best in the contemporary cultures of the world.
Monday October 27th, 7pm
Please contact Sarah Munter, sarah.munter@asu.edu, with any questions.