Edith C. Blum Professor of Art History Susan Aberth Interviewed on the FolkArtwork and Friends Podcast
Edith C. Blum Professor of Art History Susan Aberth.
Susan Aberth, the Edith C. Blum professor in the Art History and Visual Culture Program at Bard, appeared on the FolkArtwork and Friends podcast. She spoke with host Adam Oestreich about a range of topics, including the persistence of public interest in UFOs, the history and rising popularity of tarot cards, the various meanings of “outsider art,” and artists Paulina Peavy and Hilma af Klint. They also discussed an exhibit that Aberth curated, titled “Conduits of the Unseen: Women Artists Imagine Other Worlds”, now on display at Andrew Edlin Gallery in New York City until October 31st.
“My entire art historical career, as I like to say, has been skulking around the periphery,” says Aberth, “which I have found always more interesting than the center, because the center is often more conventional and geared towards art markets.”
Aberth is also the coordinator of the Theology concentration, teaching courses on Surrealism, Spiritualism, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Latin American and Outsider Art. Her books include The Tarot of Leonora Carrington and Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art, and she has contributed to numerous other books and exhibition catalogues. Aberth is also a founding member of the International Society for the Study of Surrealism.
The Art History and Visual Culture Program at Bard introduces students to visual material across a broad range of periods and societies.
Post Date: 10-13-2026
“My entire art historical career, as I like to say, has been skulking around the periphery,” says Aberth, “which I have found always more interesting than the center, because the center is often more conventional and geared towards art markets.”
Aberth is also the coordinator of the Theology concentration, teaching courses on Surrealism, Spiritualism, Freemasonry, Alchemy, Latin American and Outsider Art. Her books include The Tarot of Leonora Carrington and Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art, and she has contributed to numerous other books and exhibition catalogues. Aberth is also a founding member of the International Society for the Study of Surrealism.
The Art History and Visual Culture Program at Bard introduces students to visual material across a broad range of periods and societies.
Post Date: 10-13-2026