Exceptional Experiences: Engaging with Jolting Events in Art and Fieldwork

This volume uses art as a lens to explore exceptional experiences, including fieldworkers' experiences, artistic creation, and revelatory moments, and asks probing questions for anthropology. It recognizes that art is all-encompassing and situates itself within conversations on methodological and conceptual issues in anthropology and beyond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This captivating volume employs the power of art as a lens to capture and comprehend extraordinary experiences, delving into the depths of human existence. It not only documents the fieldworkers' own unexpected encounters that yield profound insights but also unveils the revelatory moments that arise during artistic creation and contemplation. By examining exceptional experiences through the prism of art, the volume poses thought-provoking questions that extend beyond the realm of anthropology. Recognizing art's vast scope, encompassing narrative, performance, dance, and images, Exceptional Experiences finds its place within a rich tapestry of conversations on methodological and conceptual issues in anthropology and beyond.

Introduction:
In our search for understanding the complexities of human existence, we often turn to the arts as a means of capturing and interpreting the extraordinary. Art has the unique ability to transcend language barriers and cultural differences, allowing us to connect with others on a profound level. This volume seeks to explore the intersection of art and anthropology, using the power of art as a lens to understand and analyze exceptional experiences.

Art as a Lens:
Art encompasses a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, literature, and performance. Each medium has its own unique qualities and techniques, allowing artists to convey their ideas and emotions in distinctive ways. By examining the works of artists who have experienced exceptional events, we can gain insight into the ways in which art can be used to document and interpret these experiences.

Fieldworkers' Experiences:
The fieldworkers who contribute to this volume have firsthand experience of unexpected events that have shaped their lives and work. These encounters range from personal tragedies to political upheavals, and they have left a lasting impact on the fieldworkers' understanding of the world. Through their stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role that art can play in capturing and interpreting the complexities of human experience.

Revelatory Moments:
In addition to documenting exceptional experiences, art can also be a source of revelation and inspiration. During the creative process, artists often tap into their subconscious and reveal hidden truths and emotions. These moments of artistic creation can be transformative for both the artist and the viewer, providing a means of understanding and healing.

Conversations on Methodology and Conceptual Issues:
Exceptional Experiences situates itself within a number of conversations on methodological and conceptual issues in anthropology and beyond. By exploring the ways in which art can be used as a research tool, we can challenge traditional approaches to anthropology and expand our understanding of the field.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume uses art as a lens to explore exceptional experiences, providing a unique perspective on the human condition. By documenting the fieldworkers' experiences and the revelatory moments that arise during artistic creation, we gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which art can be used to document and interpret the complexities of human experience.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390206