The Rose Main Reading Room
New York Public Library
photo: Liisa Bourgeot
Excursion into Philosophy
Garden of Stones and Thousand Flowers studies intertwining of different art forms and philosophy by taking as a starting point novel Sophie's World by Norwegian writer Jostein Gaarder.
Sophie's World is a 1991 novel by Norwegian writer Jostein Gaarder. It follows Sophie, a teenager, who is introduced to the history of philosophy as she is asked
"Who are you?"
"Where does this world come from?"
The nonfictional content of the book aligns with Bertrand Russell's The History of Western Philosophy
Artists' Publications
“Does the viewer of an artwork need to know anything about the person who made it, or about her thoughts? One school of thought says no. The viewer completes the work with her own interpretation, projects her own experiences onto it.
I, however, have always had a more rewarding experience with artworks after talking to the artist. Without an interview, I can look at a piece, make a note of the materials, the method, a possible kinship with other things I’ve seen. But when the artist talks to me about their work, I see the piece as if illuminated by their emotion. The piece acquires meaning and depth, it stops being an object on a pedestal or wall. It becomes special.”
Aino Frilander, journalist
ANALOGUE, Veera Kulju 2022
