Implementation of Louis Lankford’s techniques in analysis of the work of Egon Schiele “Levitation” (1915)

Abstract

The subject of this research is the work of the Austrian expressionist painter Egon Schiele “Levitation” (1915). Emphasis is placed on the phenomenological dimension of this work, for which was adapted and implemented the methodology of American phenomenologist Louis Lankford. This technique allows analyzing the work of visual art using the art criticism and phenomenological means simultaneously.  It includes five successive stages: receptiveness, vectoring, bracketing (phenomenological analysis), interpretive analysis, and synthesis of acquired information. The research is of interdisciplinary nature, combines the methods of art criticism and methods of philosophical science. The conclusion is made that Lankford’s methodology allows analyzing the works of visual art from phenomenological perspective, being adjusted to the composition under review. This case requires the increased role of audience in post-artistic communication. At the same time, special attention should be given to the body as a medium for the information contained in the painting, and to the information received and interpreted by the audience.