Description
[Seminar; G/C; Asian Studies minor] In this course we will examine Asian and Western art that concerns the end of life and the afterlife— or some alternative demonic realm. We will see art depicting witches who summon demonic forms, elaborate sarcophagi that honor the dead yet speak to the living, depictions of ghosts whom the living failed to appease and images of wronged spirits seeking retribution. We will discuss religious ideas, such as those found in Buddhism and Christianity, that often foster such representations, in addition to folk tales and legends that have contributed to the iconography. Since this is an art history seminar, class discussions are emphasized and written work, including a research paper, will be required.