What is the gaze? Why does it make us aware of ourselves in an unexpected way? How does it shape our sense of who we are? What is the connection between the gaze and gender or between the gaze and objectification? Why might it be intimate, uncomfortable or disturbing to be subjected to someone’s gaze? How does the idea of the gaze change as we move from painting to photography to contemporary social media?
In this first of a three-part series responding to the All Too Human exhibition, Amalia Ulman (artist), Timothy Secret (philosopher) and Katharina Günther (art historian) will lead a discussion exploring the concept of the gaze within the visual arts, its power to objectify or be objective, create intimacy or distance. The event will be chaired by Sacha Golob, CPA Director. Join us afterwards for a discussion with the CPA team from 15.30–17.30 in the Duffield Room. This two hour seminar explores some of the key philosophical issues raised by the notion of the gaze. The first half opens with Jean-Paul Sartre's classic discussion: Sartre uses the story of a voyeur caught in the act to explore objectification and shame through the lens of the gaze. We'll examine how the gaze relates to gender and subjectivity, and we'll consider to what degree it might be a positive, as well as a negative, phenomenon. The second half broadens the discussion to look at the gaze across different formats - how should we understand it in the context of painting, photography, social media or even writing? Each session will provide a concise introduction to the core themes and their significance for philosophy and the arts. We’ll then break into smaller groups for a guided discussion in which participants can explore the ideas and develop their own take on them in relation to the exhibition and to contemporary events. No prior knowledge is required. There will be a 10 minute interval between the two halves.The seminar will be led by Dr. Sacha Golob, Dr. Emma Syea and Vanessa Brassey from the King's College London, Centre for Philosophy and the Visual Arts. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to a research article on the relationship between philosophy and their experience of the All Too Human exhibition.
This event is part of the three-part series: What Makes Us Human: Conversation on Art and Philosophy.
You can book tickets here.