January
Monthly theme: Passage of Time
Wednesday, 22nd
18.00 GMT
Time: Creating a Meaningful Life and a Peaceful Death from Buddhist Perspective
This session will guide us through profound perspectives on understanding the value of our lives, recognising their impermanence, and exploring why the study of the dying process is central to Himalayan Buddhism. This talk connects deeply with our monthly theme, Passage of Time, offering a Buddhist lens on the fleeting nature of our time on Earth. Join us for this thought-provoking event followed by discussion with the audience.
Thursday, 23rd
18.30 GMT
Moments in Time: How Artists Chronicle Society
The talk will examining how changing trends in art are influenced by the evolving times. We will delve into how artists act as mirrors to society, capturing moments that reflect the cultural, political, and social climates of their eras. The discussion will question how much we can truly understand or relate to art from past periods, given our different perspectives today. Focusing on iconic artists such as Warhol, Haring, Rosenquist, and Hockney, we will explore how their works document their times while continuing to resonate with us in the present.
Monday, 27th
19.00 GMT
Japanese Calligraphy – ‘calendar’
We are excited to announce our next Japanese Calligraphy workshop, where we will explore the kanji 暦 (Koyomi), meaning “calendar.” In this session, we’ll delve into the fascinating structure of the Japanese calendar, including its numbers, months, and its deep connection to nature. Together, we’ll examine how the changing seasons and natural rhythms influence the way time is marked and celebrated in Japan.
Tuesday, 28th
18.00 GMT
Shaping Time: the Foundations of Mayan Art and Architecture
Like most Indigenous cultures, the Mayans developed a complex, multi-faceted explanation of their relationship to the natural world and the cosmos. This talk introduces the elements of the Mayan calendrical system as a way to begin to understand Mayan culture. After this introduction, we delve into artworks and architecture that give visual form to their concepts of time, the creation of the Mayan cosmos and the afterlife.
Wednesday, 29th
18.00 GMT
From Eternity to Infinity: God and the Mystery of Time
This lecture will delve into the complex and enduring questions surrounding the nature of God and the concept of time. We will explore the traditional theological understanding of God as eternal and unchanging, transcending the limitations of time. This will lead to a discussion of divine foreknowledge and providence, examining how God’s knowledge of future events relates to human free will. We will develop a deeper appreciation of the intricate relationship between God and time, and the profound implications of these concepts for our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
February
Monthly theme: Quest for Meaning
Wednesday, 5th
18.00 GMT
Weird and Wonderful Symbols in the Arts
Have you ever wondered why there are gherkins in the 15th century paintings by Carlo Crivelli, next to the Virgin Mary? Or why there is a massive, big, fat fly on the woman’s headdress in the double portrait by the Master of Frankfurt? Or why Mary Magdalene sometimes looks like she has a lot of body hair? This talk will answer some questions I am sure you’ve had when visiting museums but were too polite to ask!
Monday, 10th
19.30 GMT
Poetry Reading: quest for meaning
Join us as in February for a night of poetry and discussions. These are the poems we will focus on next time:
The Power of the Homophone – Brian Bilston
Journey of the Magi – T.S. Eliot
The Road Not Taken – Robert Frost
Diving into the Wreck – Adrienne Rich
John McCullough (not yet published)
Wednesday, 12th
19.00 GMT
Hulders, Witches and Bitches
This lecture is a journey through time, as we unravel the captivating narrative of women’s roles and the ever-evolving views on the female gender. From ancient civilizations to the modern era, the treatment of women has been a profound reflection of society’s progress and its enduring challenges. Our exploration will delve into the arts, literature, politics, and the ever-influential world of entertainment, where women have been both portrayed and have portrayed themselves, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of their times.
Thursday, 13th
18.30 GMT
The Quest for Meaning: Art as Socio-political commentary
The talk will explore the deep connection between art and politics, examining how art’s search for meaning and relevance is often intertwined with political contexts. We will look at how historical art movements have been used to promote specific political agendas, or to challenge and question those agendas. From propaganda art to subversive works, we’ll discuss how artists have long been engaged in the political discourse.
Tuesday, 18th
18.00 GMT
From Darkness to Light: painting philosophy in the Italian Renaissance
Join us for an illuminating talk that delves into the philosophy of Neoplatonism, a central tenet of the Italian Renaissance and a profound influence on the art and culture of the era. In this session, we will examine how this philosophy was not only conceptualized but also embodied and visualized by some of the Renaissance’s most renowned artists: Fra Angelico, Botticelli, and Michelangelo. Beyond their art, we’ll also discuss how these artists sought to live in alignment with the philosophy’s principles, reflecting its transformative impact on their personal lives.
Wednesday, 19th
18.00 GMT
The Mythic Quest for Meaning
From ancient fireside tales to modern cinematic universes, humanity has always turned to mythic stories to make sense of the world. But these aren’t just idle distractions or entertainment—they’re essential tools for navigating the profound and perplexing questions of existence. Why are we here? What is our purpose? How can we find meaning in a world that is often unpredictable and chaotic? This talk will explore what myths engage these questions and what they have to say about them.
Wednesday, 26th
18.00 GMT
The Enduring Human Quest: Belief in an Age of Uncertainty
In this lecture we will explore the fundamental human need for belief, examining its significance in shaping individual lives and collective destinies. We will delve into the philosophical underpinnings of belief, questioning its nature, origin, and impact on human behavior. Drawing upon insights from thinkers like Nietzsche, Hume, Hegel, and Frankl, the lecture will investigate the crucial role of belief in navigating the complexities of the modern world, addressing the anxieties of meaninglessness and the search for purpose in an age of rapid change and uncertainty.
