I’m very much looking forward to September when I’ll be spending some time in the UK, and will be doing a talk at one of my favourite places, Treadwell’s bookshop, on Monday 15th September. Click here to book a seat (space is limited).
Description:
“Art is a Religion!” The esoteric-aesthetic vision of Sâr Joséphin Péladan
Lecture by Sasha Chaitow
London, 15 September 2014
Eccentric buffoon, misunderstood genius, Platonic Symbolist or inspired adept? The controversial French Rosicrucian author Joséphin Péladan (1858-1918), whom Papus called “brother,” and who was mentor to Stanislas de Guaita, became the laughing-stock of Paris during his lifetime and sank into oblivion after his death. His vast, but forgotten legacy is a synthesis of Platonism and Luciferianism, unfolded in over a hundred novels and esoteric handbooks designed to spark a cultural and spiritual renaissance, including some fine examples of esoteric literature. Sphinxes, fallen angels, androgynes and ancient gods form his symbolic kaleidoscope for art as an esoteric path, with mankind as saviour of both humans and angels. This talk reintroduces Péladan to the 21st century, explaining key points of his philosophy and musing on the impact of his ideas in the context of esoteric history and art.
About the speaker
Sasha Chaitow is a painter, writer and scholar of esotericism and literature. She holds two MAs in Literature (Indianapolis) and Western Esotericism (EXESESO). Her recently completed PhD thesis (Essex) is a close re-examination of Péladan’s life and work. She has published on Péladan in a variety of international venues, including Abraxas #5, and is working on a series of symbolic illustrations of Péladan’s work, drawing on his aesthetic-esoteric manifesto. Her artwork has been exhibited in Greece and Spain, and published in Greece, Spain, and the UK.
Venue & Booking
Treadwell’s bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London
Price: £7 Ring 020 7419 8507 or book online at http://www.treadwells-london.com/events/
Time: 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.
