Mocra Voices

Author and scholar Ellen Dissanayake approaches art through the disciplines of evolution and ethology (the biological study of animal and human behavior), and makes a case for art being necessary for the biological survival of the human race. In 1988 her critically acclaimed first book, What is Art For, drew the attention of both the scientific and art worlds with its exploration of the impulse to make art, which Dissanayake calls “making special.” She speaks with MOCRA Director Terrence Dempsey, S.J., about her distinctive point of view, as well as the implications of her research for assessing and understanding contemporary art.  Be sure to listen to the Audio Extras, “Where Do Book Covers Come From?“ and “Every Mother’s Child, an Artist.” Visit the MOCRA Voices website to explore a Listening Guide to the interview.   Recording Engineer and Editor: Mike Schrand Host: Linda Kennedy Theme and Incidental Music: Stephen James Neale Producer: David Brinker Original release date: 4/24/2015 This episode was made