Language is a living thing and an important element of social activism. It is utilised to adhere to the social codes by cultural organisations, supposedly representing the people it serves. However, that representation of language needs further interrogation, because anti-racist terminology is often utilised for different reasons and overtime, shifts in meaning.Â
At a time when photographs, captions and reference images in the news could no longer be trusted, artists create relevant works that rose a mirror to society and led audiences to challenge the 'information' provided by the media.
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.
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.
Intersectionality was originally coined to refer to double oppression and was adopted by the black feminist movement before becoming mainstream. Today it has been repurposed to reflect the many diverse facets of our identities. Join us for a study of black feminism and the evolution of intersectionality.Â
Exploring how feminist artists are addressing concerns of race, class, privilege, and gender identity in their work today.
Join us as we explore the history of cross-dressing, drag and performance intent on queering gender expression. We will delve into the vast array of genres in which drag has appeared, investigate drag kings, queens, things, bio queens and creature drag and discuss the future of the art form given its meteoric rise.
For LGBT Pride Month we will be hosting a lecture on Exploring Gender through contemporary art. In this session we will focus on artists who have radically transformed the way sexuality and gender are portrayed in art, challenging what was once deemed to be taboo topics and confronting the viewers to revaluate their preconceptions.
In his lively talk – aimed at both curious outsiders and seasoned street culture veterans – Gavin will lift the lid on the, often surprising, history of counterculture, while showing why they are at once wholly throwaway and absolutely key to the societies that spawn them.
After working on several art projects revealing dramatic ecological effects of overconsumption, pollution and waste, Chris Jordan finds the solution in beauty. Join our online talk and celebrate World Environment Day exploring alternative, peaceful and sustainable approaches to environmental issues.
