Love Knows No Bounds
Louise Nelstrop, P P Herrmann
August 22, 2023 DOI: 10.4324/9781003350880-16 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychoanalysis |
| Key points | Argues that contemporary art, specifically the work of Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, offers a productive avenue for regenerating comparative mysticism by foregrounding questions of sex and gender. |
Abstract
This chapter explores the value of using contemporary art as one way into regenerating the study of comparative mysticism. The field saw marked decline in the wake of Steven T. Katz convincing demonstration of the groundedness of mystical experiences within their cultural and/or religious contexts. As a way of exploring the potential of art to help us find new avenues into comparative conversations, this essay brings Michael A. Sells re‐evaluation of mysticism in terms of ‘performative apophasis’ into conversation with the work of internationally‐acclaimed Belgian artist Anne‐Mie Van Kerckhoven (AMVK) on the topic of Marguerite Porete’s Mirror of Simple Souls. We argue that this highlight the importance of considering questions of sex and gender within the study of Comparative Mysticism.