Aesthetic Realism Foundation

How to Study

The Visual Arts & the Opposites

Taught by Marcia Rackow

Looking at the art of the world in museums and galleries here and abroad — from the tomb sculptures of ancient China to the latest work in Chelsea — we study how beauty in all art is a oneness of opposites. The classes are based on Eli Siegel’s lectures and essays, including “Art as Flexibility,” “Art as Energy,” “The Drama of Hardness and Softness in Painting.” Once each semester there is a joint Art and Anthropology class.

Alternate Sundays, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern Time (USA)

Fall 2023 classes via video conference are now in session.

  • Sept 24   Frans Hals – National Gallery, London
  • Oct  8   Roy Lichtenstein Remembered: Sculptures  – Gagosian Gallery 
  • Oct 22   Manet / Degas – Metropolitan Museum
  • Nov 5   Lavinia Fontana: Trailblazer, Rule Breaker – National Gallery of Ireland
  • Nov 19   Vertigo of Color: Matisse, Derain, and the Origins of Fauvism – Metropolitan Museum
  • Dec 3   Tree & Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India – Metropolitan Museum*
  • Dec 17   Works of Art Discussed by Students

*Joint class with “Anthropology Is about You & Everyone” taught by Dr. Arnold Perey

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.

Once you receive permission to audit a class, click on the “AUDIT” button to pay the fee:

Fee: $60 per semester (7 classes)

Auditing fee: $12

FACULTY BIO

MENU