Art is made within the spaces of limitation. Whether it is the technical aspects of materials or the requests of patrons or the desire to visualise an intangible feeling, art is a form of problem solving. This lecture looks at the art of instructions and how, within the limits of instructions either specific or open-ended, artists can produce vastly different artworks. First, we’ll look at examples of historic artists and how they responded to the social and intellectual rules of their time, including Byzantine icons, China’s Song Dynasty and France’s Academy. We’ll then explore how modern and contemporary artists often use instructions to ‘unlearn’ traditional power systems, from the Surrealists to artists like Yoko Ono, John Cage and Sol Lewitt. The goal is to understand how instructions and regulations can actually become spaces for the freedom of expression.
Please, note:
- the total duration of the event is 1 hour ( ~ 50mins lecture and 10mins Q&A)
- the talk doesn’t require any prior training and anyone can join
- This event will be recorded: the video will be available in 3-5 days after the talk
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SPEAKER – SARAH JAFFRAY
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. Sarah is currently a lecturer at the University of Arts London and Coordinator for City Lit’s Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah’s current research is focused on translation and empathy.
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