As we approach officially the spookiest time of the year, I am putting a spotlight on one of my favourite terms in Art Theory – Hauntology. Aside from the wonderful name, Hauntology is a fascinating concept, with wide-ranging applications across philosophy, sociology, music, history, art history…. and just about any academic or cultural topic you … Continue reading What is Hauntology? Art History at Halloween
Manners and Modernity: Pictures of the Floating World
Currently displayed at the V&A is a selection of “manner posters” originally shown across Tokyo’s Seibu Railway network between 2016 and 2019. The small exhibition also includes original “ukiyo-e” prints, demonstrating the artistic influences that inspired the posters....
A journey through Rembrandt’s Self Portraits
2019 marks the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt’s death (1669) – and events are taking place throughout Europe (and beyond) to celebrate the work of this true pioneer. One exhibition I am particularly looking forward to is Rembrandt’s Light at London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery, opening on 4 October.
Dada – Pioneering the Patriarchy?
This Long Read blog is inspired in part by my current teaching on Germany in the inter-war years and partly as a self-admonition to visit the current Tate Modern exhibition on Weimar Germany! Titled “Magic Realism” (and on until 14 July), this free show promises an encounter with the “uncanny and mysterious” through the art … Continue reading Dada – Pioneering the Patriarchy?
SARAH LUCAS: The Venice Biennale, France and Feminism
The 2015 Venice Biennale is now underway, and chosen to represent Britain, is artist Sarah Lucas. Her show, entitled, I SCREAM DADDIO is said to "reprise and reinvent the themes that have come to define her powerfully irreverent art – gender, death, sex, and the innuendo residing in everyday objects." The show revolves around themes … Continue reading SARAH LUCAS: The Venice Biennale, France and Feminism
Inventing Impressionism – Camille Pissarro’s ‘The Marne at Chennevières’
We've all heard of 'the impressionists'; the stereotypical French (mostly male) painters, painting from life in rivers and in fields, fascinated by the universal themes of light, time, and perception... But who exactly where they, and what did they do? To provide an answer, I am focusing on one of the lesser-known impressionists, Camille Pissarro, … Continue reading Inventing Impressionism – Camille Pissarro’s ‘The Marne at Chennevières’
Examining Miró’s Reality
This week saw the birthday the legendary Catalan, Spanish painter, Joan Miró - born 20th April 1893. Earning international acclaim, his work has been interpreted as Surrealism; a sandbox for the subconscious mind, a re-creation of the childlike, and a manifestation of Catalan pride. But in this article, by looking at one painting from 1927 - I wish … Continue reading Examining Miró’s Reality
