Overview of the Course

The title of our seminar comes from poet Edward Hirsch, who tells us that encounters with art involve ‘imaginative acts of attention.’ He notes that responses start with vision – with seeing – and with the search for language to describe what we see. This work often begins with description which then often leads to interpretation – or to ‘personal interventions, to meditations, to creative inquiries’ – all of which, in his words, are ‘acts of inheritance.’ Hirsch is inviting us (or giving us permission) to enter imaginatively into works of art. In this seminar, we will take him up on this invitation.

Our exploration will take us to musical recitals, dance and theater performances, photography exhibits, an opera, and a Japanese tea ceremony. We will also visit museums, read a novel and a graphic memoir, view documentary films, and take several walks in search of site-specific art installations. One focus of the work will be on the many ways art can be used to address issues of concern to all of us living on the planet. We will, in other words, take some time to examine how artists and activists are addressing the issue of climate change and how we can enter imaginatively into their visions of the future, however chilling they may be. While many of our readings and class trips will be focused on this area, we will also look to maintain an attitude of hope by entering imaginatively into the pleasures and joys of artistic expression as we read, write, and reflect on the arts in New York City.