INQ-110 | Myths of Artistic Genius

Full Title: Myths of Artistic Genius: An Inquiry into Originality in Art

Topic Description:

What do we mean when we say an artist is a genius? How can we say single works are “masterpieces” of artistic genius when they arise from shared and widely held beliefs and ideas? What about truly collaborative ventures (such as ballet) that combine the efforts of artists, dancers, musicians, and the theater crafts? This course covers four myths of genius—four case studies about originality in art---from Europe and the United States, from 1787 to the present day. For each of these stories we’ll consider how other artists and collaborators and the artistic milieu of each artist’s epoch actually shaped the “genius” attributed to them and their work. And finally we’ll explore the meanings of the words “genius,” “originality,” “novelty,” and “transgression” as they pertain to the particular artists and works above, and what constructs offer the most satisfying explanation for each.

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: April 2012