This talk will consider the representation of the gangster with regard to its manifestations in post-94 photography, literature, music and cinema. It will address the complexities at stake in the performance of the ‘urban hustler’ and masculine ‘anti-hero’ and explore the tropes of conformity, vulnerability and so-called ‘deviance’.
Despite the crimes conducted by Yakuza, they call themselves ninkyō dantai (literally meaning “chivalrous organisation”), securing streets from impulsive crimes and establishing the order. Join Azumi Uchitani’s next talk about Yakuza, also known as ‘necessary evil’ and explore its complex image in society.
Can beautiful images illustrate dire human situations? Can one separate the content of the image from its form to fully appreciate it? With a focus on mainstream images of human migrations, this talk discusses the contemporary commercial aesthetics that influence all visual fields from interior design to fashion and makeup.
Join Samantha Allen for a body positive talk that reclaims our narrative on ageing. Understand why that opposition exists and why we need to create better, less invisible futures for ourselves as women.
Beauty has been a central theme in Chinese poetry and literature for centuries, with many artists expressing their perceptions of beauty through their works. This 1h online talk takes a historical view of Chinese perception of female beauty and its representation in Chinese poems and paintings.
Sabi is another Japanese aesthetic concept that is closely related to wabi, but with a greater emphasis on the beauty of ageing and decay. Join our next calligraphy session and learn about idea of Sabi in Japanese culture.
Wabi is a concept that encourages individuals to feel its beauty in simplicity and natural authentic state of life in any objects. Join our Japanese calligraphy session and discover the concept of wabi.
This session will discuss Byung-Chul Han’s views. Han is one of the most prominent South Korean-born philosophers and cultural theorists. In his works, Han explores the late capitalist culture in its various facets, including concepts such as freedom, the internet, mental health, popular culture, religion, sexuality, social media, subjectivity, technology, and transparency.
In this session we will focus on artists such as Louise Bourgeois, The Gorilla Girls and Jenny Saville - all of whom have created depictions of the female body from the perspective of women, for an audience of both women and men.
In collaboration with Book Club Bunch we are excited to announce our next poetry reading evening! Join us as we delve into literary works and enjoy masterpieces read out loud by amazing actor - Matthew Peter-Carter.
