In this talk we investigate through a materialist lens the shifting approaches to culture, humour and politics as a generation raised on the internet and subjected to constant streams of information comes of age.
ON ART AND CULTURE
Welcome to the LEVEL! We invite extraordinary speakers, thinkers, researchers and authors to share their views and ideas with our community of open-minded and curious individuals. Join our online talks and discussions to expand your understanding of others, yourself and the world we live in.
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Upcoming Talks
The story of four generations – culture changes in China
Significant changes occurred in China over the past 40 years since it's opening up reform. How does that impact on the life and values of each generation? This lecture explores the similarities and differences of four generations in China and aims to provide an overall review of the challenges and opportunities each generation faces.
Cuban Art III: Within the Revolution everything! Cuban art after the Revolution
Lecture three will look at how Cuban art transformed after the triumph of Castro's 1959 Revolution. As well as discussing the context of the period, we will see how Cuban photography and art was produced to support the Revolution.
Artist in Focus: Paula Rego
Paula Rego's art is undoubtedly characterised by her incredible ability to create captivating narratives that often evoke fairytales or dreams, but in this talk we will see how she equally uses her art to push important socio-political messages to the frontline.
Identity and Belonging
How do we form our individual and collective identity? How do we modify our identities to fit in and assimilate when we encounter other cultures? What does that mean for us when we return home? Join us to explore identity and belonging in this webinar.
Creatures of the Night: An Unnatural History of Monsters
We will dissect some of our most iconic creatures of the night - vampires, zombies, the Frankenstein Monster etc. - showing how they evolved, from arcane folklore to Hollywood pop culture, and beyond.
Japanese Calligraphy: The Art of Stillness
Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through a calligraphy practice. During the short meditation you will be invited to a moment of alignment between your body and soul, to find a channel through which you can listen to your inner voice. This approach helps to concentrate and sense the power of now. This time we will focus on character JAKU and explore The art of Stillness.
Postcolonial Happiness : British Empire and Indian Art
Though this lecture does not negate the conversations on and around decolonisation, it mainly focuses on the residual positive effects of colonialism on the art and culture of South Asia-mainly on the Indian subcontinent. The proposed discussion on Postcolonialism and its impact on Indian art is not an attempt to salvage the glorious or inglorious imperial past but to learn how the new world can move beyond this period-together, towards a place of mutual respect, diversity and inclusiveness.
Books Read Aloud: ‘The Hunters’ by Claire Messud
Unlike other book clubs that expect participants to read in advance and prepare for the conversation, we welcome anyone to join the meetings at any time and without any preparation. You just have to be there and enjoy the finest works of literature, read aloud by professional actors and English literature scholars. This time we will explore 'The Hunters' by Claire Messud.
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FLASHBACK
Past Talks
Japanese Calligraphy: The Art of Light
Each event we will centre around a new symbol: we will learn its meaning, discuss a poem about it, meditate and experience the power of the concept through a calligraphy practice. During the short meditation you will be invited to a moment of alignment between your body and soul, to find a channel through which you can listen to your inner voice. This approach helps to concentrate and sense the power of now. This time we will focus on character HIKARI and explore The Art of Light.
TED Circles Discussion: Optimism
LEVEL hosts monthly TED Circles and wants to invite you to our next conversation focused on the theme of OPTIMISM!
TED Circles Discussion: Imagination
LEVEL hosts monthly TED Circles and wants to invite you to our next conversation focused on the theme of Imagination!
Kintsugi: Japanese Art of Repair and Healing
Japanese Kintsugi is not only about mending our broken ceramic objects with gold, but it has a more profound meaning. Kintsugi helps us to develop more compassion towards ourselves and others and learn how to appreciate broken pieces of our lives.
Cuban Art II: Wifredo Lam
Lecture two of Cuban Art series will pick up the threads from the previous lecture on Cuban Modernism and look at the life and work of Wifredo Lam.
Cuban Art I: Colonial Influences and the Cuban Vanguardia
This lecture is centred around the influences of Spanish colonialism on Cuban art and how its newly found independence led to the start of Cuban modernism. It is the first talk from Cuban Art series.
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New Book Club for Adults with no Strings Attached
The only thing more pleasurable than reading, perhaps, is listening to a beautifully read story. We are partnering with Book Club Bunch to offer you a new type of events! Join us as we delve into outstanding literary works and enjoy stories read out loud by amazing actors! Gift yourself some ME (or couple) time, feel the power of a small community, and let great stories take you away!
Kintsugi: The Art of Mending What’s Broken
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of fixing broken ceramics. Instead of hiding the breaks with a camouflage adhesive, or simply purchasing a new item, Kintsugi masters use lacquer dusted or mixed with gold, silver, or platinum powder, to simultaneously embellish and mend a broken item.
Wifredo Lam: the Cuban Picasso
Wifredo Lam is one of the most eminent Cuban artists. His works reflect on the spiritual side of Cuban life and myths particularly connected to the African-inhabited area of Santeria and its many rituals. His works redefined the Western idea of “primitive” art, turning it into a narrative about the complex Cuban history of oppression and struggle.