What is it about?
The distinction between the noumenal and the phenomenal is a philosophical idea proposed by Immanuel Kant. However, Jacques Derrida's method of deconstruction seems to suggest that this distinction is arbitrary, just like any other binary opposition. Noumenism is a philosophy that rejects the idea of dualism between phenomena (things we can perceive) and noumena (things beyond our perception). According to Noumenism, works of art attain his paradoxical status is achieved through a mechanism invented by the artist, which allows the artwork to function in a unique and unconventional way. This mechanism results in a "compound-image," created by combining different systems or elements that are usually considered separate. To illustrate this concept, the article analyzes a poem: 'No. 6' from Noumenist poet Jason Johnson's collection 'Hymns from Purgatory.' The analysis shows how the poem embodies the ideas of Noumenism. Ultimately, the article challenges both current and future artists to consider these philosophical ideas and incorporate them into their own artistic philosophies. It encourages artists to think beyond traditional boundaries and explore new ways of creating art.
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Why is it important?
The uniqueness and timeliness of the article lie in its engagement with several key philosophical concepts and their relevance to contemporary art, specifically focusing on the distinction between the noumenal and the phenomenal, as well as the philosophy of Noumenism. Based on the idea that this distinction becomes arbitrary when analyzed through Jacques Derrida's method of deconstruction, the article challenges binary oppositions and hierarchies, and thus introduces a novel perspective on the creation and interpretation of art (i.e., Noumenism). By applying Noumenism to a concrete example, the article makes the discussion more tangible and applicable to the realm of art. It may attract individuals interested in philosophy, particularly those interested in Kantian philosophy, Derrida's deconstruction, and the intersection of philosophy and art. By exploring these concepts and their implications for artistic creation, the article offers a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating discussion. It may appeal to artists, scholars, philosophers, and individuals with a keen interest in the philosophy of art.
Perspectives
Noumenist poetics seeks to create a complex web of connections using a formal and scientific approach. It blends objectivity with a remarkable ability to express imaginative, dreamlike, and impossible elements in art. The aesthetic experience of Noumenist poetry, for example, involves a recursive procedure, similar to "developing variation" in music, which generates both unity and disharmony. This creates a sense of coherent and directed movement, yet also an incoherent and non-directed quality. Noumenist poets find inspiration in both tangible and abstract elements, bridging the gap between the observable world and the realm beyond perception, because they believe that despite their differences, these categories share a fundamental identity. The value and purpose of Noumenism as an artistic philosophy are still uncertain, much like the enigmatic nature of music as pondered by Aristotle. While Noumenism may have positive effects on society, it should not be evaluated solely based on its practical or societal benefits. Noumenism's philosophy is meant to be applicable to all art forms, including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, film, etc. Thus, artists are encouraged to engage with the challenges and subject matter explored in this article.
Zane Gillespie, DMA
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This page is a summary of: Towards a new aesthetic: Noumenism and Noumenist poetics, Technoetic Arts, October 2022, Intellect,
DOI: 10.1386/tear_00094_1.
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