Spirit/Glob

SPIRITUALITY

Moriko Mori

Jose Bedia

1. How much does religious upbringing/childhood teaching play into the work of many artists, consciously or not?

Interesting discussion re: Kandinsky’s “Concerning the Spiritual in Art” : art as its own religion/discipline: a replacement of dictated external or institutional religion with a subjective religion.

2. Are there opposing forces between Puritan/Calvinism teachings affecting society vs. Catholic dramatic sensibilities? Of course there are major differences between Easter and Western ways of thinking though to be aware of the spiritual in art or nature is not that common in Western society.

Alternate states of consciousness has often been the goal of art and religion.

3.Definition: Magical Thinking vs. Scientific Fact:

Magical thinking is a clinical term used to describe a wide variety of nonscientific and sometimes irrational beliefs. These beliefs are generally centered on correlations between events.

For example, a belief in the power of spells or rituals could be considered magical thinking. It is important to note that magical thinking must be considered in context. For example, a belief in the paranormal could be seen as magical thinking. However, many religious and cultural traditions believe in the existence of spirits, demons and other entities. A person from such a background should not be diagnosed with magical thinking based solely on a belief in such entities.

Shazia Sikander

Anish Kapoor

GLOBALISM

Marco Brambilla: Civilization

Chen Zhen

4. What is the difference between Globalism & Globalization?

Globalism is the belief that we share one fragile planet the survival of which requires mutual respect and careful treatment of the earth and of all its people. Globalism, like all values and ethical beliefs, requires active practice in our day-to-day lives. Communications to foster understanding, sharing of needed resources on the basis of equity and sustainability, and mutual aid in times of need are three central features of activities that undergird globalism.

Globalization is the process of corporations moving their money, factories and products around the planet at ever more rapid rates of speed in search of cheaper labor and raw materials and governments willing to ignore or abandon consumer, labor and environmental protection laws. As an ideology, it is largely unfettered by ethical or moral considerations.

http://actrav.itcilo.org/actrav-english/telearn/global/ilo/globe/kirsh.htm

Chen Zhen on Transexperience:

Chen Zhen’s interview on Transexperiences was an insightful look into the discussions and debates of cross cultural experiences and conflicting consequences that may emerge out of a newly interconnected world. Chen explains that a “’Spiritual running-away’ is the most profound experience one can have in life. One should learn to break out of one’s own “cocoon” and be courageous enough to break away from one’s own self and to abandon one’s own cultural context…..[this is when] creative capacity has reached the most active zenith.” This “self-sought loneliness” via moving about and engaging with transexperiences reminds me a lot of Thoreau’s escape to Walden. I was also reminded of all our students’ experiences studying abroad and traveling—Chen’s words relate precisely to our own experiences being here in Shanghai and away from our safety zones, “our cocoons”. In this light, Chen encourages the movement of the art world to encompass artists’ experiences that include both the perspectives of home and away from home, both literally and figuratively. Chen also illustrates that “to immerse oneself in life, to blend and identify oneself with others” is a foundational concept of art, and transexperiences help us to recognize this. He goes on further to say “You have me in you, and I have you in me.”

5. Debate between Chomsky and Freidman: who is right?

I think they both are which indicates the pluralities, dichotomies and paradox of our times. That is where the crisis lies: a lack of understanding a future that is not based on any previous history as we move to be one world. It would seem space would be a new frontier but there is very little zeal or money.

Joyce Kosloff

Tracy Moffat

Anthony Gromley