coming back to reality again for unit 3,

1st of May – 1st after the intensive.

Unit 3 updates and dates.

two units, unit 3 and unit 4 are intertwining each other and we are discussing how each unit has deadlines etc.

Mikhail Bakhtin: Being able to respond and the relationship between art and life. Art and life are two different entities. He said that Its the artist’s responsibility to navigate between art and life.

“Art and Answerability” is a philosophical essay by the Russian literary theorist Mikhail Bakhtin. Published in 1919, it explores the role of art in society and how it interacts with its audience. Bakhtin proposes that art is inherently dialogic, meaning it engages in a dialogue with its viewers, listeners, or readers. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Dialogism: Bakhtin introduces the concept of dialogism, which suggests that meaning is created through dialogue or interaction. In other words, every piece of art is a conversation between the artist and the audience, as well as among the audience themselves. This dialogic nature is crucial in understanding how art functions in society.
2. Polyphony: Bakhtin emphasizes the idea of polyphony, where multiple voices and perspectives coexist within a work of art. Rather than a single authoritative voice, there are many voices, each with its own viewpoint and significance. This richness of perspectives allows for a deeper engagement with the artwork.
3. Answerability: Bakhtin argues that art is “answerable” to its audience. This means that artists have a responsibility to engage with their audience and address their concerns, criticisms, and questions. Art is not created in isolation but is a response to the social and cultural context in which it exists.
4. Ethical Dimension: Bakhtin suggests that art has an ethical dimension. Artists are responsible for the impact of their work on society, and they should strive to create art that enriches and ennobles the human spirit. This ethical responsibility is closely tied to the concept of answerability.
5. Social Context: Bakhtin emphasizes the importance of understanding art within its social context. Art is not created in a vacuum but is influenced by the cultural, political, and historical circumstances of its time. Similarly, the interpretation of art is shaped by the social context of the audience.

Overall, “Art and Answerability” provides a profound exploration of the relationship between art and society, highlighting the dialogic nature of art and the ethical responsibilities of both artists and audiences.

Bakhtin is so interested in the idea of dialogue
KEYWORDS:
1. utterance
2. turn-taking
3. call + response

Bakhtin, a philosopher, talked about how people talk in real life, which he called “utterances.” He said conversations aren’t just about one person speaking and others listening; they’re more like a game of turn-taking, where everyone gets a chance to speak.

He also talked about something called “call and response.” This is like when someone says something, and someone else answers back. It’s like a back-and-forth in music or in a conversation.

So, Bakhtin said that in real conversations and in art, there’s a rhythm of speaking and listening, where everyone has a role, just like in a good conversation between friends.