Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 3 – 5pm EDT

Registration is required.
How do psychedelic experiences influence the perception of art and beauty? What role does aesthetics play in psychedelic experiences, and how does it impact ethical considerations?  
This biweekly reading and learning group led by CSWR Student Research Assistant Tristan Angieri, MDiv ‘26, will explore these questions and more, focusing on the relationship between psychedelics, aesthetics, and ethics. Participants will examine psychedelic practices in various contexts, including clinical, underground, indigenous, and other cultural settings. Topics will include the aesthetics of psychedelic experiences, the role of the ludic and creativity in psychedelic experiences, and the influence of religion, spirituality, and culture on taste-making in psychedelics.  

Each session will focus on one or more specific psychedelic substances and companion works of art/media or practices, using diverse readings for analysis. Participants will engage in text-based discussions and optional experiential activities such as art exhibitions and film screenings. Guest speakers, including artists and scholars, will share insights on psychedelics and aesthetics. The topics and texts studied will closely align with the Psychedelics and Future of Religion series and its invited authors and scholars.  

Instructor's Bio:
Tristan Angieri is a writer, artist, and Master of Theological Studies candidate with a focus on psychedelic studies. Their research explores the intersections of psychedelics and spirituality, with particular attention to perceptual and material dimensions. Tristan brings over a decade of professional experience in education, software engineering, and architecture to their interdisciplinary work.

Subsequent meetings are:  9/18, 10/2, 10/16, 10/30, 11/13, 12/11