During my guest lecture at the University of Georgia, I delved into the fascinating interplay between art and science through the lens of hedonics, exploring how these fields converge to enhance our understanding of pleasure. We examined the current landscape of consumer capitalism and pondered whether ethical consumption is achievable in this context.
I discussed the concept of hedonism and the intrinsic value of pleasure, and how art and science intersect to influence our experiences of joy and satisfaction. We explored various types of pleasure—physical, social, psychological, and ideological—and how products and services can be designed to evoke emotions and create pleasant experiences.
By blending insights from art history with contemporary scientific perspectives, the talk offered a multidimensional view of how pleasure is experienced and expressed in our modern world. We also discussed the current state of art, noting that we are operating in a period largely absent of a unifying art movement.
Since 1969, focus has shifted significantly towards pressing global issues like climate change. The 2010s and beyond have seen a rise in both denial and alarm surrounding these challenges. I emphasized, however, that this absence of a dominant art movement presents a unique opportunity for us to shape a new era. By harnessing our creativity and collective efforts, we have the power to influence future markets and drive a total systems change for the better.
It is up to us to forge new paths, create impactful art, and inspire transformative change.
I was truly honored to be invited as a guest lecturer at the University of Georgia. It was a privilege to share my insights on the intersection of art and science with such an engaged and thoughtful audience. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to UGA for this incredible opportunity and for their warm welcome.
