Project Category: Past events

Books Read Aloud: ‘Mrs Caliban’ by Rachel Ingalls

Books Read Aloud: ‘Mrs Caliban’ by Rachel Ingalls

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 'Mrs Caliban' by Rachel Ingalls.

Painting my Michael Armitage, African artis

Contemporary African Art

The focus of this session will be to look at artists who draw inspiration from their roots and ancestry – whether it be their own personal histories relating to Africa, or their observation of the appropriation of African culture by the Western societies they are a part of today.

British colonialism through the lens art

British Colonialism Through the Lens of Art

What can art, from the time of British colonialism, tell us about history and culture then and now?  How has Imperial expansion shaped our perceptions of power, greatness and our understanding of nationhood?  Join us for a discussion of a selection of famous British art works.  We will unravel how they have influenced our perceptions of culture, beauty and heritage and still do in society today.  We will also challenge that notion, in a study of some of contemporary art's responses, that bring the Great British narrative into question.

Stoic philosophy

Stoic Wisdom Today

Stoicism has seen an astonishing revival over the past decade. But what is Stoicism? This interactive online talk aims to rectify distorted conceptions around the subject. After a short historical and philosophical introduction to Stoicism, we explore four central ethical themes: understanding what benefits us, choosing what promotes our well-being, developing a sense for what is up to us (and what is not), and being affiliated with others and the world around us.

Indian art by R. Kaleka

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.

The art of light - hikari

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.

the art of stillness - jaku

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.

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