Welcome to the Aesthetic Realism Foundation

WELCOME

The purpose of the not-for-profit Aesthetic Realism Foundation is to meet the urgent need for people throughout America and the world to see each other and reality fairly. The means to that fairness is Aesthetic Realism, the philosophy founded in 1941 by Eli Siegel, American poet, critic, and educator. Located in SoHo, NYC, the foundation is a center for culture and kindness. It offers classes in the visual arts, poetry, music, anthropology, and more. There are public seminars, individual consultations, workshops for teachers, and thrilling dramatic and musical events. People of all ages understand themselves newly through the principles of Aesthetic Realism. Read more

Published at this crucial time in history,
“Like of the World versus Racism”—

explains three hugely important things: 1) the cause of all prejudice and racism; 2) the state of mind we need to have as we think about other people if we’re going to be just to them—including, very much, people who look different from us; 3) how the way of seeing in all true art is utterly opposed to racism. The means by which people’s minds and feelings can really change from prejudice to justice is in this issue of The Right of Aesthetic Realism to Be Known!

Classes via Zoom video conference—
Fall 2021 semester now in session.

Want to audit a class? Contact the registrar at 212.777.5055, between 2-6 PM Eastern Time (USA), Monday through Friday. Be sure to make your request at least 2 days in advance of the class.

Find out more

Read this powerful letter by Dr. Edward Green

—composer and professor of music. He writes, with cultural perspective, about the vitally needed education of Aesthetic Realism, and how it has affected his own life.

Edward Green, PhD, composer and musicologist, of the Aesthetic Realism Foundation faculty

“What can finally end racism, in all its horrors? What can make our economy kind, respectful of everyone? What can make our schools successful—really enable children to learn?

“I have seen that Aesthetic Realism has the answers to these problems, these questions. Its principles are true and unfailingly kind….”

And later—

“I began to learn that music—which I had seen as in a different world from my relations with people—was really a guide as to how to see them!…” more

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BLOG UPDATE

“Art as, Yes, Humility”

Michael Palmer, Aesthetic Realism associate, writes: In his 1953 essay “Art as, Yes, Humility,” Eli Siegel explains something that people have ached to know: how to be genuinely proud of our lives. I once felt that to be proud, I had to impress people with a prestigious job in which I made a lot of money…

Consultations—Update

At this time, though Aesthetic Realism consultations cannot take place in person, we’re glad to say they are taking place via Zoom video conference or by telephone. You can find out more here.