Archetypal aesthetics: viewing art through states of consciousness
Jordan S. Potash
International Journal of Jungian Studies May 4, 2015 DOI: 10.1080/19409052.2014.924984 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that a Jungian and archetypal psychology approach to aesthetics involves noticing which archetypes are activated when viewing or engaging with art, and proposes that Joan Kellogg's theory 'The Archetypal Stages of the Great Round of Mandala' can identify archetypes as states of consciousness and make them accessible to a wide audience to aid understanding of one's responses to art. |
Abstract
A Jungian and archetypal psychology approach to aesthetics includes noticing which archetypes are activated when viewing or engaging with art. Archetypes provide vitality to art and can be accessed by viewers through attention to bodily responses and emotional awareness enhanced by imagination. Connecting these personal experiences to the collective requires framing viewers' responses within comprehensible patterns. Joan Kellogg's theory ‘The Archetypal Stages of the Great Round of Mandala’ offers a system for identifying archetypes as states of consciousness and making them accessible to a wide audience in order to aid understanding of one's responses to art.