Looking at a range of Surrealist painters - from Salvador Dali to Frida Kahlo, we will dive into their dreamlike worlds filled with symbols and meaning.
Author: thedifferentlevel (inna Didenko)
Signs, Symbols and Cinema: Iran after 1979
We’ll begin our talk first by contextualising the state-sponsored censorship of Iranian cinema: what are its rules and regulations? What kinds of constraints do filmmakers face? From there, we discuss how filmmakers have turned to visuals, symbols, and signs to bring their message and stories to the screen.
Iconography: reading the symbols in paintings
This talk gives a brief history of how art historians began to study 'disguised symbols' in art and explains how viewers can develop their skills of art interpretation.
Japanese Calligraphy – suspicion
The allure of "kai" lies in its ability to blur the boundaries between the known and the otherworldly, inviting contemplation of the unseen forces that shape human experience. "Kai" not only sparks curiosity but also serves as a reminder of the profound respect for nature and the acknowledgment of forces beyond human control.
Religion & Spirituality in Contemporary Art
During this talk, looking at a selection of artists working across different mediums, we will explore how religion and spirituality have been addressed by contemporary artists between the 1950s and today.
The Fear of the FutureÂ
Throughout history, artists have used their talents to convey their emotions, observations, and anxieties about the world around them. Their creations captured the effects of climate change on the natural world, serving as a warning and a call to action.
Vanitas: a matter of life and deathÂ
This talk will look at the theme of ‘vanitas’ (the emptiness of the material world and the presence of death) in the history of art to better understand how past cultures have thought about the impermanence of life and how this type of thinking leads to a greater understanding of a life worth living.Â
Yokai: Supernatural Entities in Japanese Culture
During this lecture, we will also explore the cultural significance of yokai in Japanese society, their embodiment of fears, desires, societal beliefs and how they have influenced various aspects of Japanese culture, from art and literature to festivals and traditions.
Poetry Reading: transcending boundaries
Join us as we delve into literary works and enjoy masterpieces read out loud by amazing actor - Matthew Peter-Carter! Our theme for December explores transcendental experience.
Japanese Calligraphy: unification
Join our next Japanes ecalligraphy session focusing on kanji 'unification'. The concept of "çµ±" underscores the Japanese cultural values of unity, synergy, and the artful orchestration of diverse elements to create a harmonious and flourishing whole.