Guernica is one of the most famous paintings in the world and probably Picasso’s best known picture. It was prompted by events in the Spanish Civil War, and specifically the fascist destruction of the ancient Basque capital on a market day in April 1937. The lecture considers the circumstances surrounding its creation and charts its development through Picasso’s surviving drawings and the photographs taken by his mistress, the Yugoslavian photographer, Dora Maar. Furthermore, Guernica is examined alongside other art and photography created during the war, including celebrated images by the painters Salvador Dali and Joan Miro, as well as photomontage by John Heartfield, photographs by Robert Capa and a range of other graphic work.
BARRY VENNING
Barry Venning is an art historian whose interests and teaching range from the art of late medieval Europe to global contemporary art. He has published books, articles and exhibition catalogue essays on Turner, Constable and European landscape painting, but also has an ongoing research interest in postcolonial art and British visual satire. He works as a consultant and associate lecturer for the Open University. His media work includes two BBC TV documentaries, radio appearances for BBC local radio and abc Australia, and a DVD on Turner for the Tate.
The Arts Society Helmsley
A varied programme of fascinating illustrated lectures, given by entertaining and knowledgeable speakers.
£30 joining fee and £10 per lecture. Guests £15 per lecture | 7pm (doors 6.30pm)
For Arts Society information contact [email protected]