April 05, 2004

Art critic, author Arthur C. Danto to speak at SIUC

by Paula M. Davenport

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Revered philosopher, art critic and author Arthur C. Danto will deliver a free lecture -- the final such talk of this season's Visiting Artist Program -- at 7 p.m. Monday, April 19, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The talk is open to all and will take place in the Hiram H. Lesar Law Building's Auditorium. Free parking is available in lots north and east of the building.

The Emeritus Johnsonian Professor of Philosophy of Columbia University, Danto has served as art critic for The Nation since 1984.

He is acutely interested in the thought, feeling and philosophy of art, the theory of representations and philosophical psychology.

"In an art world full of salespersons, Danto's last intention is to influence us to do anything, save think more wisely about art," wrote Denis Dutton in a review of a recent book by Danto critiquing contemporary art.

In addition, the public may listen in as Danto holds court from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 20, at Carbondale's Gallery HQ (211 W. Main St.), where a juried exhibition of graduate art students' works will be on display.

Amidst the creative backdrop, Danto will discuss issues in today's art world. Admission to this also is free.

Danto's visit is made possible by the SIUC student-paid fine arts activity fee, the School of Art and Design and its parent, the College of Liberal Arts, as well as various community sponsors. Expanding cultural outreach activities is among the goals of Southern@150, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2019.

For more information, call the Visiting Artist Program Office at 618/453-7792.