Museum of Color – Stephanie Krzywonos

W. E. B. Du Bois's 'The Souls of White Folk' is an essay that critiques the concept of whiteness and its role in perpetuating racial inequality. Written as a counterpart to his earlier work, 'The Souls of Black Folk,' Du Bois examines the psychological and social constructs of whiteness and its impact on global power dynamics. He argues that the belief in white supremacy has led to the exploitation and oppression of people of color. The essay challenges readers to confront the historical and ongoing injustices rooted in racial prejudice and to work towards a more equitable and just society.

In 'Beyond Good and Evil', Nietzsche challenges the traditional morality and philosophical thought of his time. He argues that the Christian world is steeped in a 'slave morality' that demonizes strength and domination, and instead proposes a philosophy that celebrates the present and the individual's 'will to power'. The book is known for its aphoristic style and its critique of past philosophers for their dogmatic premises. Nietzsche advocates for a new kind of philosopher who values imagination, self-assertion, and the creation of values, and he introduces the concept of 'perspective of life' which denies a universal morality for all human beings.

Goethe's "Theory of Colours" presents a comprehensive study of color phenomena, challenging Newton's purely physical explanation. Goethe emphasized the subjective experience of color, arguing that it arises from the interaction of light and darkness, rather than solely from the prism's dispersion of light. He conducted numerous experiments to support his theory, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow and their effects on perception. Goethe's work is significant for its holistic approach, integrating physiological and psychological aspects into the study of color. His theory highlights the limitations of purely quantitative approaches to understanding natural phenomena.

Faust, written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, is a two-part dramatic work that tells the story of a scholar named Faust who, dissatisfied with his life and seeking infinite knowledge and power, makes a pact with Mephistopheles, the Devil's representative. Part I focuses on Faust's despair, his pact with Mephistopheles, and his tragic love affair with Gretchen, which ends in her downfall. Part II is more allegorical and symbolic, following Faust through various experiences, including his life at court and his encounter with Helen of Troy, before his eventual salvation through God's grace and the intercession of Gretchen. The work is renowned for its blend of lyric, epic, dramatic, operatic, and balletic elements, and its exploration of theological, mythological, philosophical, and cultural themes.

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.