- The premise of The Captivity Project is that the breadth and depth of its theme should be accessed through both the visual and literary arts–and more importantly, that both our emotions and our intellects will be strengthened by thinking across these disciplines. To that end, this fall, two art exhibitions are being presented concurrently with two Fordham University English courses: “The Art of Captivity” and “Captivity and Conflict.” Professor Leonard Cassuto, curated “The Art of Captivity, Part One” at Fordham’s Center Gallery at Lincoln Center, and teaches both courses. “The Art of Captivity, Part Two,” is curated by Susan Eisner Eley at Susan Eley Fine Art on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. A joint catalogue for both exhibitions may be previewed and purchased on this site.
- To reinforce the interdisciplinary nature of the project, an ongoing online publication of student writings from Professor Cassuto’s English classes, as well as from students from other schools and programs in New York City will be published here. In addition to the writings, panel discussions will be hosted at both exhibitions, and other related lectures at Fordham will take place. Common to all forms of captivity are the roles of captor and captive. Questions of responsibility, implications of guilt, and evidence of denial all emerge from this project. A collective understanding of the authors’, artists’ and audiences’ interpretations of captivity encourages self-examination and underscores the possibility of finding moments of freedom amidst any condition of restraint.
- Please explore this website for further details on the above events and to read student and audience responses.
