Celebrating the Legacy of Richard Wollheim

The Wollheim Centenary Project film generously funded by a small grant from the British Society of Aesthetics.

Vanessa Brassey, Co-Director of the Centre for Philosophy and Art, has put together a short film about Richard Wollheim’s life and work. In collaboration with The Wollheim Centenary Project and funded by the British Society of Aesthetics, this film is part of a celebration for the 100th anniversary of this remarkable philosopher’s birth. Philosopher Louise Braddock has organized a series of events at St. John’s College, Oxford. [Learn more at wollheimcentenary.org.]

The documentary explores two key ideas from Wollheim. Through animation and interviews with his colleagues and peers, it explains his thoughts on expressing emotion in painting and his theory of complex projection. This film not only highlights his philosophical contributions but also aims to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration.

The film is divided into five chapters: (1) The Philosopher, (2) The Container, (3) Projection, (4) The Exhibition, (5) Conclusion. It delves into Wollheim’s interest in Klein’s ‘depressive position,’ which involves feeling concern for others, and his deep need to escape loneliness by connecting with people. These themes run through his views on art, offering insights into the minds behind the artwork and enriching our understanding and appreciation.

This documentary is perfect for those new to Wollheim’s ideas on emotional expression in art and for those who have been curious about his theory of complex projection. It presents his unique ideas in a way that's both engaging and thought-provoking.