An aesthetic of the unknown

Evans, M. (2015) An aesthetic of the unknown. International Journal of Jungian Studies. 7(1), pp. 19-32. 1940-9052.

Item Type:	Article
Abstract:	This paper begins to establish an 'aesthetic of the unknown' by drawing together theorists and approaches from mainstream art criticism to provide a starting-point for an aesthetic sympathetic with Jungian perspectives, in an attempt to bridge a gap between contemporary abstract painting, contemporary art theory and Jungian studies. This is a framework for approaching the abstract painting not as an object awaiting interpretation or 'reading', but rather as something that offers a numinous experience (or experience of the unknown), which can be thought about but may remain ultimately unknowable and irreducible. Such experience - involving both the unconscious and conscious mind - would provide glimpsesof forms of meaning not accessible to full rational exposition. This type of uncosciously understood meaning is explored, acknowledging that there is a need to preserve this encounter with the unknown and a need for a contemporary critical, theoretical framework that recognises the importance of this within abstract painting.
Additional Information:	E-ISSN: 1940-9060 Print ISSN: 1940-9052
Uncontrolled Keywords:	abstract painting, spiritual, apophatic, numinous, unknowable
Creators:	Evans, Michael
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Fine Art
Date:	1 February 2015
Date Type:	Publication
Page Range:	pp. 19-32
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Jungian Studies
Volume:	7
Number:	1
Number of Pages:	13
Language:	English
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1080/19409052.2014.954754
ISSN:	1940-9052
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	Yes
Related URLs:	https://pure.northampton.ac.uk/en/public...
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/12683

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