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Tate Modern courses

Anguish, Absurdity, Death Existential themes in modern and contemporary art

11 June – 9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15
18 June – 9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15
25 June – 9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15
2–9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15
9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15

Richard Wentworth, Siege 1983–4. Tate. © Richard Wentworth.

The philosophy of existentialism had its roots in the work of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche and came to fruition in the philosophies, novels and plays of Sartre, De Beauvoir and Camus.

This five-session course approaches modern and contemporary art through some key themes of existentialism, including the notions of anguish, absurdity, nothingness, abandonment, shame, despair, and the idea that at death we become 'prey to the other'.

You will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these ideas in relation to works in Tate Modern by artists as varied as Edvard Munch, Francis Bacon and Damien Hirst, artists who, whether or not explicitly influenced by existentialism or its forerunners, echo its concerns in their art. No prior knowledge of philosophy or art history is needed. Notes from each session will be posted online.

Led by Nigel Warburton, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and interviewer for the Philosophy Bites podcast.

Tate Modern

Bankside
London SE1 9TG
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Dates

11 June – 9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15

18 June – 9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15

25 June – 9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15

2–9 July 2012

9 July 2012 at 19.45–21.15

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Find out more

  • Edvard Munch

    1863–1944
  • Damien Hirst

    born 1965
  • Francis Bacon

    1909–1992
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