Thursday, October 23, 2008

Yearnings in matter

The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man.    A.W.Tozer


Painting, according to Jean-Luc Marion, is a central topic of concern for philosophy, particularly phenomenology. For the question of painting is a privileged case of the phenomenon; the painting becomes an index for investigating the conditions of appearance - or what Marion describes as "phenomenality" in general.

What matters about matter?

1 comment:

Debbie L said...

Have you ever read about the formation of gestalt psychology? Max Wertheimer was the original founder I believe. He invented the tachtisocope (spelling?) which was like the first motion picture. From this came the gestalt principles of art: the law of similarity, continuous line, etc. Gestalt was a key concept to the field of phenomenology. The whole area of phenomenology is incredibly fascinating and was a key feature of early psychology. Unfortunately science has moved away from it because they do not know how to grapple or classify the unknown (mystery). William James one of the classic American psychologists (philosophers) and one of my favorites stated that science (empirical reasoning) can only explain science-related things and beyond that another type of thinking is required because there is much mystery and wonder in the world. Towards the end of his career he explored phenomenology and spirituality, but I haven't read his works yet in that area.
Funny fact, the more I learn about psychology and research, the more I realize how complex people really are and how much more we still have to understand and learn. I think this is what leaves some scientists either running from their labs in fear, incredibly fascinated and invested in their research or in utter awe of the beautiful mystery and complexity of God's creation. I think sometimes it can be a combination of all 3 for me. That is what makes research so incredibly fascinating, you think you know how things will turn out, but in the end your hypothesis could easily be proven wrong. Although, studying art at Biola taught me to sit and enjoy the uncertainty and mystery. I am truly grateful for this as oherwise I may have headed into a field of more exactness.