Philosophical Skepticism as the Subject of Art: Maria Bussmann's Drawings

Maria Bussmann's artwork is a philosophical study of visual art, exploring the history of German aesthetics through the arguments of major philosophers such as Kant, Hegel, Merleau-Ponty, Wittgenstein, and Arendt. David Carrier compares the work of artists and philosophers, showing how Bussmann responds visually to the writings of philosophers in art. Carrier offers a fresh perspective on the German idealist position through the visual art of a 21st-century artist steeped in the tradition and continually challenging it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Maria Bussmann, a trained academic German philosopher, and a significant visual artist, presents an ideal test case for a philosophical study of visual art. Bussmann has deeply internalized the relationship between art and philosophy, making her work a rich source of insights into the intersection of these two disciplines. In this exploration of the history of German aesthetics through Bussmann's work, David Carrier places the philosophical tradition in the context of contemporary visual culture. Each chapter focuses on the arguments of a major philosopher whose concerns Bussmann has dealt with as an artist: Kant, Hegel, Merleau-Ponty, Wittgenstein, and Arendt. Carrier offers comparative accounts of artists and philosophers whose work is of especial relevance, showcasing how Bussmann responds visually to the writings of philosophers in art that have an elusive but essential relationship to theorizing.

Addressing the question of whether philosophical subjects can be presented visually, Carrier offers a fresh perspective on the German idealist position through the visual art of a 21st-century artist steeped in the tradition and continually challenging it through her work. Through her artwork, Bussmann explores the complexities of the human condition, the nature of perception, and the relationship between art and philosophy. Her paintings and sculptures invite viewers to engage with these profound questions and to consider the role of visual art in shaping our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, Maria Bussmann's artwork provides a compelling case study for a philosophical exploration of visual art. Through her work, Bussmann has demonstrated her ability to internalize the relationship between art and philosophy, and to use visual language to convey complex ideas and emotions. Carrier's book offers a valuable contribution to the field, providing a comprehensive and insightful account of Bussmann's work and its philosophical implications. By exploring the history of German aesthetics through the lens of Bussmann's art, Carrier sheds light on the enduring relevance of philosophical ideas in contemporary visual culture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350245136