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)

Spring-Summer 2025 classes via video conference are now in session.

SPRING-SUMMER 2025

  • May 18   Sargent & Paris – Metropolitan Museum
  • Jun 1   Wayne Thiebaud – Legion of Honor Museum, San Francisco
  • Jun 15   Arresting Beauty: Julia Margaret Cameron – Morgan Library
  • Jun 29   Gauguin in the World – Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  • Jul 13   Works of Art Discussed by Students
  • Jul 27   To be announced*
  • Aug 10   El Greco: Santo Domingo el Antiguo

*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, Mon–Fri, 2–6 PM (ET) or submit this brief form. Be sure to make your request at least 2 days in advance of the class.
  • Once your request has been approved, you will receive an email with a link to pay for the class.

Fees

  • Semester (7 classes): $60
  • Audit (per class): $12
MENU