Art 397 ASTRONOMY IN THE VISUAL ARTS

December Quarter 1996

Stephen Luecking, Instructor

DESCRIPTION

Astronomy in the Visual Arts reviews the history, symbology and function of astronomy in the visual arts from pre-history to the present. Although astronomy is the primary influence in the art that this course will examine, the over-riding theme of the course is the collaborative role which the apparently dissimilar fields of art and science play in shaping human thought and perception.

As the oldest science astronomy holds an early and special place in the story of the millennium old, on-again-off-again relationship of art and science. Symbolism is arguably more deeply embedded in this science of interpreting the cosmos than in any of the other sciences. In many cultures the study of the sky is thinly - if at all - separated from religion. Astronomy is a science that addresses what we are by seeking - in the largest possible sense - where we are.

It is one task of art to translate the many answers and the many more questions about what and where we are into powerful cultural symbols. This course will track how well art has accomplished this task.

 ORGANIZATION

The course comprises a series of lectures that present their themes in historical contexts. Six of these lectures are open to students of the Adler Planetarium. In exchange, the Adler will host "in-house" field trips.

The first 45 minutes are devoted to a discussion of readings with the formal lectures beginning at 6:30 to accommodate Adler students. Lectures run between 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 hours, with a break at the middle and a Q&A afterwards.

CALENDAR

(Starred sessions are public lectures)

Session I -

How the Universe Produced Artists and Maybe Why. (Monday, 12/2)

*Session II -

1) Centers of the Universe 2) Stairways to Heaven: Architecture and Cosmology in the Ancient World. (Tuesday, 12/3)

Investigates the astronomical layout, purposes, and symbolism of architecture in Neolithic and ancient societies around the world.

*Session III -

1) Drawing Conclusions, 2) Housing the Universe, (Wednesday, 12/4)

A multi-cultural overview of cosmographs and their role in propagating the cosmology of their respective cultures. Special attention will be given to cosmographs of the Middle Ages in Europe and the Orient.

*Session IV -

1) Points of View: Perspective and Science
2) As Below, So Above: Astronomy, Physics and the Art of the Renaissance. (Thursday, 12/5)

Looks at a changing paradigm of the universe from a religious to a scientific outlook by tracing the application of "earthly" physics to the celestial realm.

Session V -

MIDTERM EXAM (Friday, 12/6) Assign major project.

Session VI -

In class work on the major project. (Note: this class session will be held in room 335 of the 1150 West Fullerton building. Monday, 12/9)

*Session VII -

The Machine and Its Ghosts: Art in Newton’s Universe. (Tuesday, 12/10)

Follows art and astronomy through the Age of Reason to the early Modern Age, and explores the acceptance and questioning of what has come to be called the Mechanistic or Rationalistic Universe.

*Session VIII -

Albert Always Preferred Realism, But...: Art in Einstein’s Universe. (Wednesday, 12/11)

Surveys the effects on modern art of a cosmology built on relativity, quantum uncertainty and randomness

*Session IX -

Let Me Draw You a Universe: Four Chicago Artists Discuss the Role of Astronomy in Their Art. (Thursday, 12/12)

 A panel discussion in which four area artists will speak about their use of astronomy in their art. Astronomy in art, here and now!

 Session X -

FINAL EXAM and critique of major project. (Friday, 12/13)

REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

1) Readings

 Credit seeking students will be required to complete 5 groups of assigned readings, either from a text or from selected readings, and to present a typed set of five questions prompted by each of these groups of readings for each of the 5 scheduled discussion periods. These questions will become the bases for the class discussions. Preparation and participation in the discussions are worth 15% of the course grade.

 2) Exams

 Two exams, a mid-term and a final, will cover lectures, readings and discussions. Each will be worth 30% of the course grade. The final exam will not be cumulative.

 3) Major Project

 A visual project on a topic appropriate to the course will count for 25% of the course grade. This may be in the form of a work of art or as a "paper" presented in a poster format.
 
 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Text: Seven Ideas That Shook the World, Spielberg and Anderson.

Materials for the course are gleaned from books on archaeoastronomy, texts on cosmography, compilations of scientific illustrations, topics in the relationship of art and science, and traditional art historical volumes.

The listings below are sophisticated and accessible popularizations related to this course, and which are recommended to students.

John Barrows, The Artistic Universe

Timothy Ferris, Coming of Age in the Milky Way

E.C. Krupp, Echoes of Ancient Skies

Evan Hadingham, Early Man and the Cosmos

Anthony Aveni, Conversing with the Planets

Leonard Shlain, Art and Physics

Harry Robin, The Scientific Image: From Cave to Computer

INSTRUCTOR

During daylight hours your instructor is Chair of the Department of Art at DePaul University and can be reached at his office:

Phone: 773-325-7567

Address:

Room 323, 1150 West Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60614

E-mail: slueckin@wppost.depaul.edu