AHT 361 Art and Trauma Studies: The Visual Culture of Disaster
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, and pandemics, as well as wars, nuclear explosions, and cyber attacks are some examples of natural and man-made disasters that have tremendous impact on both the planet and human lives. How do humans confront and come to terms with catastrophic events? Can trauma in the wake of disaster be faithfully documented or accurately represented? Does devastation produce a tabula rasa effect on visual culture, meaning in what manner does it have the potential to destroy existing and produce new forms of representation? In addition to answering these questions from historical and contemporary perspectives, the course will probe what kinds of aesthetics and visual iconographies have proven to be effective in the raising of awareness of pending disasters and in contributing to positive change. The course addresses all aspects and approaches of the Art Histories, Ecologies, Industries major.