Thread by @UMBCHumanities

Join us for out first #humforum18 event on 2/22 at 4pm in the @UMBCLibrary. @RitaFelski, Professor of English @UVA, will explore why we are drawn to certain artworks - become "attuned" to them - but are stubbornly unmoved by others. ow.ly/HPS130ihYRa

We are about to get started with our first #humforum18 event of the season. Dr. Jessica Berman, Director, is introducing our first guest @RitaFelski

.@RitaFelski was often cited by recent English Department job candidates, which is a testament to her influence in literature #humforum18

Felski: To become “attunement” is to have inclinations or stirrings toward a work of art that do not penetrate the subconscious. #humforum18

Felski: Attunement is formed and informed by others. It allows us to think about the epiphany, but also the slow burn #humforum18

Felski: No work is fated to be great; it must first attract admirers and beat back rivals. #humforum18

Felski discusses Zadie Smith’s essay on her reaction to Joni Mitchell’s Blue. How did she come to hate something so completely and then love it so fully? #humforum18

Felski: Smith was indifferent to Mitchell’s voice until the day it undid her. #humforum18

Here is a link to the essay in question: newyorker.com/magazine/2012/… #humforum18

Felski: We are entranced by an artwork, we can’t help but want to share it with other people. The question is how does this shared attachment occur? #humforum18

Felski: Attunement cannot occur without first-person readiness. It is often indebted to a laying down of previous reactions. #humforum18

Felski: Do we see the beauty of Picasso because it is there or because people invite you to see it there? Our own seeing depends on the seeing of others. #humforum18

Felski: Not all attunement comes like a bolt from the blue. Becoming attuned is a part of the precondition of living with others #humforum18

Felski: The history of our attunements plays a part in forming the person we are #humforum18

Felski: Attunement can also bring shame. Shame at not realizing something sooner or having an epiphany that isolates you from your family and friends #humforum18

Felski: Art gains more presence due to its social interactions. The more you talk about it with friends, the more you read or see it, you become more attuned #humforum18

Thanks for joining us! Please join us on 3/1 at 4pm for our next #humforum18 event with Jennifer Lynn Stoever for “Listening to Racism in the United States - Or Why Sound Matters.” ow.ly/45WR30ihZFE

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