William Blake was a revolutionary artist whose working-class background informed his perspectives on contemporary social theory. Blake had complex understanding of how the world shapes us, how some must accept it while others might rail against it. This talk will provide a biographical background on William Blake and his partner Catherine (who was an integral part of his art and life). We’ll look at how Blake was a product of his time, late 18th century London. It will explore how he was influenced by the early feminist writings of Mary Wollstonecraft, the sociology of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the Non-Conformist philosophy of Reverend Richard Price. Although Blake is best known for his poetry, this talk will emphasise his art and how it visualised the impact of social forces upon humanity. Blake’s powerful, emancipatory art has been historically neutralised as the ramblings of a ‘madman’. However, in recent years scholars have begun to argue Blake was an incisive mind who offered nuanced ideas of social freedom. At the end of the talk, we’ll consider what Blake might teach us about freedom today.
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
- Guests can access all videos at a small fee; videos for members are free of charge
- if you wish to become a member – please, learn about our membership plans
Sorry, this event has ended.
You can purchase the access to the video below.
Alternatively, please Become a Member
and enjoy all videos free of charge.
To register for new events, please, check our Schedule.
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.
Leave a Reply