Complex Aesthetics

Auður Aðalsteinsdóttir

Complex Aesthetics

Auður Aðalsteinsdóttir

University of Iceland Research Centre in Þingeyjarsveit

University of Iceland

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the works of one Icelandic painter and two writers in the light of complexity science. Such science acknowledges the complexity of both ecological and social systems, focusing on indefinite processes, nonlinear and unpredictable branching of possibilities, adaptation, diversity, relationships, and interdependence rather than on stability, categorization, division, and hierarchy. Complex systems are not least characterized by unexpected outcomes, and this article places a special emphasis on the artistic element of surprise. A study of ecosurrealism in the paintings of Þórdís Aðalsteinsdóttir, indeterminacies in Haukur Ingvarsson’s ecopoetry, and surreal aesthetics in Ófeigur Sigurðsson’s novel Öræfi: The Wasteland (2014/2018) leads to the conclusion that studies of ecocentric aesthetics also need to allow for such complexity.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Creative Responses to Environmental Crises in Nordic Art and Literature
Editors	Auður Aðalsteinsdóttir, Katarina Leppänen
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Chapter	1
Pages	9-30
Number of pages	22
ISBN (Electronic)	9781978780736
ISBN (Print)	9781666953039
Publication status	Published - 1 Jan 2024

Publication series

Name	Ecocritical Theory and Practice
Publisher	Lexington Books

Creative Responses, Specta Gallery
Rawlings, A. M. S. (Participant), Aðalsteinsdóttir, A. (Organiser), Jónsdóttir, H. D. (Participant), Robson, A. (Participant), Silis-Høegh, B. (Participant), Aðalsteinsdóttir, Þ. (Organiser), Hákonardóttir, H. (Participant), Halldórsdóttir, J. H. (Participant), Pálmason, K. M. (Participant), Ortman, L. (Participant), Holst Henckel, P. (Participant), Sigurðardóttir, S. B. (Participant) & Hrólfsdóttir, S. I. (Participant)
16 May 2025 → 21 Jun 2025
University of Iceland
Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participating in a conference, workshop, ...

Cite this

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abstract = "This chapter analyzes the works of one Icelandic painter and two writers in the light of complexity science. Such science acknowledges the complexity of both ecological and social systems, focusing on indefinite processes, nonlinear and unpredictable branching of possibilities, adaptation, diversity, relationships, and interdependence rather than on stability, categorization, division, and hierarchy. Complex systems are not least characterized by unexpected outcomes, and this article places a special emphasis on the artistic element of surprise. A study of ecosurrealism in the paintings of {\TH}{\'o}rd{\'i}s A{\dh}alsteinsd{\'o}ttir, indeterminacies in Haukur Ingvarsson{\textquoteright}s ecopoetry, and surreal aesthetics in {\'O}feigur Sigur{\dh}sson{\textquoteright}s novel {\"O}r{\ae}fi: The Wasteland (2014/2018) leads to the conclusion that studies of ecocentric aesthetics also need to allow for such complexity.",

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AB - This chapter analyzes the works of one Icelandic painter and two writers in the light of complexity science. Such science acknowledges the complexity of both ecological and social systems, focusing on indefinite processes, nonlinear and unpredictable branching of possibilities, adaptation, diversity, relationships, and interdependence rather than on stability, categorization, division, and hierarchy. Complex systems are not least characterized by unexpected outcomes, and this article places a special emphasis on the artistic element of surprise. A study of ecosurrealism in the paintings of Þórdís Aðalsteinsdóttir, indeterminacies in Haukur Ingvarsson’s ecopoetry, and surreal aesthetics in Ófeigur Sigurðsson’s novel Öræfi: The Wasteland (2014/2018) leads to the conclusion that studies of ecocentric aesthetics also need to allow for such complexity.

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105019466212

M3 - Chapter

SN - 9781666953039

T3 - Ecocritical Theory and Practice

SP - 9

EP - 30

BT - Creative Responses to Environmental Crises in Nordic Art and Literature

A2 - Aðalsteinsdóttir, Auður

A2 - Leppänen, Katarina

PB - Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

ER -

Complex Aesthetics

Abstract

Publication series

Activities

Creative Responses, Specta Gallery

Cite this