Free Thinking - Walter Benjamin; A cultural history of the body; Edvard Munch; Soviet Superwoman
Jun 23, 2016
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Esther Leslie, a renowned translator and scholar of Walter Benjamin, joins cultural critic Kevin Jackson to explore Benjamin's legacy through his short fiction in 'The Storyteller.' They delve into his narrative style, influences, and empathy for marginalized voices. Curators Elena Sudokova and Dolya Gavanski discuss the evolving ideals of the Soviet Superwoman and the complexities of women's roles in Soviet history. Leah Broad reinterprets Edvard Munch's life, emphasizing how personal tragedy infused his artistic expression, while Fay Bound Alberti examines our shifting understanding of emotions and human identity.
Walter Benjamin's short fiction, exemplified in 'The Storyteller', reflects his innovative blend of personal and theoretical insights on storytelling.
Fay Bound Alberti's examination reveals a historical shift in society's understanding of identity from a heart-centric to a brain-centric view, impacting emotional perception.
Deep dives
The Influence of Walter Benjamin's Writing
Walter Benjamin's influence as a writer extends beyond traditional literary boundaries, combining personal reflections with theoretical insights. His collection of short fiction, titled 'The Storyteller,' showcases his unique style, blending fables, dreams, and autobiographical elements to explore complex themes such as memory and fate. The translation of these works into English by scholars offers readers fresh perspectives on Benjamin's literary contributions and the ways he engages with storytelling. This collection provides a deeper understanding of how Benjamin viewed storytelling as an art form and the significance of oral traditions in conveying wisdom in a modern context.
The Transition of Beliefs about the Body
Faye Bound Alberti's exploration of how society's perception of the self has shifted over time highlights the transformation from a cardiocentric view to one centered around the brain. In a historical context, the heart was seen as the essence of self for over two millennia, representing emotions and the soul. However, as neuroscience gained prominence in the 19th century, the brain became recognized as the primary organ defining identity and emotions. This shift sparks an ongoing dialogue about the relationship between physical organs and emotional experiences, complicating how we understand feelings and their origins, as well as questioning the split between mind and body.
Redefining the Soviet Superwoman
The portrayal of the Soviet superwoman evolved significantly throughout the Soviet era, beginning with a strong emphasis on equality and empowerment during the early 20th century. Initially, women actively contributed to revolutionary ideals, advocating for rights and participating in the workforce, embodying an image of strength and capability. Over time, this image transformed into a more rigid stereotype, focusing less on individuality and more on conforming to state-approved roles that fit the ideologies of the era. The dynamic nature of this identity reflects broader societal changes, revealing both the limitations and aspirations of women navigating these evolving expectations throughout Soviet history.
The Impact of Biography and Life Writing
Life writing and biography intertwine personal narratives with historical context, offering insights that extend beyond the individual in focus. Through the examination of Edvard Munch's life and work, it becomes evident that biographers shape narratives influenced by their own perspectives and the cultural climate of their times. The documentary approach in capturing an artist's life can risk oversimplifying complex relationships and motivations, emphasizing a singular narrative that may overlook broader influences. This dynamic illustrates the challenges and responsibilities writers face to portray a rich, multifaceted view of their subjects while acknowledging the interplay of the biographer's own voice.
Anne McElvoy evaluates the first major English edition of short fiction by the great German critic and essayist, Walter Benjamin with the translator and scholar Esther Leslie and the critic, Kevin Jackson.
Also in the programme a guide to the Soviet Superwoman courtesy of curator Elena Sudokova and Dolya Gavanski -- the moving forces behind the GRAD gallery show devoted to women in the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991.
And as Peter Watkins' critically acclaimed film based on the life of Edvard Munch is re-released New Generation Thinker Leah Broad considers the Norwegian painter's achievement and the art of biography.
Fay Bound Alberti's cultural history of the body completes the programme - why do we talk of the heart as the seat of our emotions and where would you expect to find someone's "mind" ?
This Mortal Coil by Fay Bound Alberti is published by Oxford University Press.
The Storyteller by Walter Benjamin is published by Verso on 23rd June.
Superwoman: Work, Build and Don't Whine is on at GRAD in Little Portland Street in London from 18 June -17 September
Edvard Munch - a 1974 biographical film about the Norwegian Expressionist painter Edvard Munch, written and directed by Peter Watkins, has been re-released on DVD by Eureka.
Leah Broad's research at the University of Oxford is focused on Nordic modernism. She is editor of The Oxford Culture Review and winner of the Observer/Anthony Burgess prize for the best arts journalism essay in 2015 for her reappraisal of the Finnish composer Sibelius.
Producer: Zahid Warley
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