May
‘Childhood chronicles’
Thursday, 9th
18.00 BST
Magical Children in Mythology
Mythology is filled with stories of magical children. From the Celtic children of Lir to Luke Skywalker, from Moses to the Magical Girls of anime, we have long been fascinated by this important mythical archetype. Who are these magical children and what have they trying to teach us? Join us for an intriguing dive into the stories of youngsters with magical giftings in our myths, both ancient and modern.
Monday, 13th
19.00 BST
Japanese Calligraphy – ‘nostalgia’
Join our upcoming Japanese Calligraphy workshop, where we will delve into the beautiful concept of 懐かしい (natsukashii), or nostalgia, with a focus on childhood memories. We will immerse ourselves in the process of creating kanji, unlocking memories and emotions associated with the innocence and wonder of youth.
Tuesday, 21st
19.00 BST
Childhood Traditions: Exploring Boys’ Day in Japan
From the elaborate displays of koinobori (carp streamers) to the revered samurai dolls, we examine how Boys’ Day festivities reflect values of courage, strength, and familial pride. Beyond the Boy’s festival, we will examine broader cultural aspects of childhood in Japan, exploring traditional customs, educational practices, and societal expectations.
Wednesday, 22nd
18.00 BST
From Childhood to Adulthood – the Long Shadow of Where You Grow Up
In this talk, we’ll discuss how where people grow up can leave an indelible mark on their life’s journey. Using a variety of sources and compelling research, we’ll uncover the ways that living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods can impact individuals’ chances in life, from childhood to adulthood, and even affect their children’s futures.
Thursday, 23rd
18.00 BST
Redefining Childhood in 18th-century art
In this lecture, we will discuss the transformative impact of philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s ideas on the portrayal of children in art during the 18th century. Rousseau’s philosophies inspired artists to depict children with newfound authenticity, emphasizing their purity, spontaneity, and inherent connection to nature. We will also examine the influence of these artistic representations on shaping the concept of the ‘ideal childhood,’ which emerged as a cornerstone of French revolutionary thought.
Monday, 27th
19.00 BST
Japanese Calligraphy – ‘play’
This session is a journey of creativity, self-expression and boundless energy and curiosity of youth through the artful strokes of the brush. Through the lens of 遊ぶ (play) we’ll explore the joy and spontaneity of play, infusing our artwork with a sense of wonder and adventure. Join us as we unleash our imagination and let the ink flow freely, celebrating the art of 遊ぶ in all its vibrant forms.
Tuesday, 28th
19.00 BST
Alice in Wonderland
Step into the rabbit hole of our childhood’s most beloved literature and join us for an enchanting lecture on Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic, Alice in Wonderland. This online journey will explore all the curious and charming characters, the imaginative landscapes, and the intricate wordplay that have captivated readers for generations. This lecture will offer fresh and magical insights into the novel’s enduring legacy in popular culture.
Wednesday, 29th
18.00 BST
Becoming a Better Creative Problem Solver through Steampunk Art and Design
Steampunk fuses art, technology and history, and necessitates multi-directional, divergent or opposite thinking. It combines opposites of Past and Present/Future; Form and Function; Art and Science; Human and Machine; and Mechanical and Botanical. In this lecture, steampunk artist Bruce Rosenbaum will give you insights to use opposite thinking in your passions, work and life.
June
‘Icons and Idols’
Thursday, 6th
18.00 BST
The New Goddesses
Mythic Goddesses represent a type of archetypal presence in the world which has been expressed through a range of attributes and qualities. That presence continues to be with us in figures ranging from Helen Mirren to Beyonce, from Michelle Yeoh to Taylor Swift. Come join us and explore how ancient Goddesses archetypes such as Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis are very much with us today.
Monday, 17th
19.30 BST
Poetry Reading: idols and icons
Join our next Poetry Reading session and enjoy new poem selection exploring heroes of our contemporary culture, the idols and icons of our times. We will read the following works:
- London, 1802 – William Wordsworth
- The Day Lady Died – Frank O’Hara
- Blonde Bombshell – Lynn Emanuel
- Hollow – Vanessa Kisuule
Wednesday, 19th
18.00 BST
What’s in a Brand? — The Iconic Power of Corporate Colors
In contemporary culture, certain brands ascend to the status of idols and icons through the lens of materialism, where their perceived value extends beyond mere products to symbolise status, success, or identity. As these corporations know, modern color is big business, and in this session, we will discuss the rise of brand colors, consumers’ evolving relationships with specific hues, and how companies use color to create deep connections with their products.
Tuesday, 25th
18.00 BST
Marina Abramović, the cult of the hero
The making of Marina Abramović as an icon, an idol, a brand has grown the moment she landed in America. Her show in MOMA reaffirmed the artist’s capacity for endurance and interpersonal engagement, but also revealed the powerful appeal of the idol, the ever-expanding cult of celebrity, and the current love to share every single minute and every aspect of our lives with everyone. In this one hour talk we look at the work of the incredible charismatic Abramović, where life is art and art is life.
