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.
