The Art of Seeing
the Myth of Echo and Narcissus
Thursday 26th October 2023
7-8pm UK time via Zoom
£10
“He knows not what he sees, but what he sees
invites him. Even as the pool deceives
his eyes, it tempts them with delights. But why,
o foolish boy, do you persist? Why try to grip an image?”
Narcissus, from Ovid’s Metamorphoses
This session will be recorded.
In this session, we will explore just one work of art for the hour, a potent image, telling the myth of Echo and Narcissus. With Roman poet Ovid’s text as our framework, the myth will be experienced as living rather than confined to the words on the page or the image in a painting, as we seek to get know it better. We will encounter Echo, who is cursed and loses the ability to start a sentence on her own. She can only finish others’ sentences, or echo what others have already said; and Narcissus, the beautiful young demi-god who Echo becomes infatuated with. Mute unless someone else has spoken however, she is unable to call to Narcissus. Later, Narcissus falls in love with his reflection in a pool of water…
Like all great myths, they show us a distilled form of reality which logic cannot achieve by itself, and have a relevance to today’s world. We will reflect on the deeper meaning of this myth, personally and societally, as a myth that is perhaps calling us to listen more intently to its wisdom in our 21st century modern age.
These sessions take a threefold approach of theory, practice and reflection with just one work of art. The work of art will not be revealed until the session, but do please bring open eyes, ears and a pen and paper. Or, if you prefer to just listen and look, you can do that too. These sessions are open to everyone whether you are a seasoned art lover or not.
These sessions are £10 per person. Email me directly to book at info@maryattwood.com or you can use the PayPal button below.
