Northern Michigan University hosted an international conference on existential aesthetics July 26-27. NMU Philosophy Professor Antony Aumann, who is on sabbatical to write a book on the transformative power of art, served as co-organizer with Hans Maes, senior lecturer in history and philosophy of art at the University of Kent, United Kingdom. Six NMU students comprised the support staff who coordinated and managed the logistics. The event investigated how works of art and certain aesthetic practices/experiences can be of existential importance to people.
The grant proposal for the conference referenced the following examples: “A poem can offer consolation and support in difficult times. A film can trigger an epiphany and turn one's values upside down. Falling in love with a painting can change the direction of someone's life. Writing poetry can give meaning to one's existence and have a profoundly therapeutic effect. Witnessing a stunning sunset can become one of the most cherished moments of one's life. Finally, being a foodie, fashionista or jazz lover can be so important to a person as to be constitutive of their identity.”
Aumann has published articles on existentialism and aesthetics, along with a 2019 monograph for Lexington Books, “Art and Selfhood: A Kierkegaardian Account.” He is president of the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Society for Aesthetics and has exhibited his own artwork. Aumann gave a presentation titled “On Being Inspired by Art.”
“Until recently, few authors within the field of contemporary aesthetics have directly addressed the existential importance of art and aesthetics,” he said. “But this is changing. A growing number of philosophers are now seeking to explore these issues, which has led some to posit the emergence of a new subfield entitled ‘existential aesthetics.' The goal of this conference was to improve our understanding of the work being done in this area, explore its significance, and facilitate further and more focused philosophical activity in this direction.”
Thirteen others presented papers related to existential aesthetics, ranging from nature/hiking and contemporary fiction to music and medications that blunt the ability to appreciate works of art. The conference planning committee included faculty from Central Michigan University, University of Michigan-Flint, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Wheaton College. NMU students on the support staff were: Gwen Feamster, Adam Grabowski, Abby Kerr, Sophie McDonald, Chloe Patterson and Natalie White.
The conference was sponsored by grants from NMU's Graduate School and Philosophy Department, the American Society for Aesthetics, and the State of Michigan.