Philosophy

Events

“Gut Reactions” and Abstract Art by Jay Odenbaugh and Levi Tenen (Lewis & Clark)

Date: September 23 2011, 3:30pm - 5:00pm Location: J.R. Howard Hall - J.R. Howard Hall 102

It is commonplace to claim that abstract, non-representational artworks such as Rothko’s No. 14 or Miles Davis’ Blue in Green express emotions like sadness. However, this seems problematic since expression generally requires a person doing the expressing. In this paper, we attempt to address this “missing person problem”. First, we present the problem of “abstract expression” and we articulate the various ways in which the concept of expression is used regarding persons and artworks. Second, we sketch our best understanding of what the emotions borrowing from the work of Jesse Prinz and Jenefer Robinson. Finally, combining both the conceptual clarification and work on emotion discussed above, we provide an account of how emotions can be expressed by abstract art.