Artist in Focus
Are you intrigued about how iconic works of art were made and the impact they’ve had on the world? Are you interested in alternative narratives and unearthing new perspectives on popular paintings? If yes, then Artist in Focus is for you. These short, engaging sessions are a great way to explore the stories behind the art from the comfort of your home — or perhaps join one of our lunchtime sessions instead of scrolling on social media. Convenient, online, and designed to fit into your schedule, Artist in Focus is an easy way to enjoy art history and improve confidence in talking about art, one hour at a time.
Obsession of Envy, c. 1822-1823
Gericault: Death, Flesh &
Creativity.
Discover the complex world of Théodore Géricault, the Romantic painter whose obsession with death and the human form led him to asylums, morgues and dissecting rooms. In this art history course we’ll explore the disturbing anatomical studies that informed his work.
Together, we will examine his most iconic masterpiece, The Raft of the Medusa (1819), exploring the drama, the real-life tragedy, and innovation that made it one of the most powerful works of art of the 19th century.
Obsession of Envy, c. 1822-1823
Gericault’s Portraits of the
‘Insane.’
In this lesson you will be introduced to Géricault's paintings of the insane, providing an insight into the early 19th-century approach to psychiatric conditions. We will explore Géricault’s technique, the psychological depth of the subject, and the broader implications of mental health representation in art through a visual analysis of The Obsession of Envy, painted between 1822 and 1823.
The Bathers, 1853
Courbet: The Bathers – A Shocking Sensation
In this mini lecture, we will analyse Courbet’s The Bathers (1853) and explore why it provoked such outrage in the 19th-century French art world. The painting, featuring the exposed backside of a white woman, was considered shocking. It is even purported that Napoleon III, during his visit to the exhibition, struck the painting with his cane in anger and disgust.
In this session, we will take a closer look at Courbet’s work not only as an artist but also as a revolutionary figure, one who consistently defied the rules and values imposed by the powerful art institutions of 19th-century France.
The Sanctimonious, c. 1819-1823
Goya’s Cabinet Paintings: What became of Little Maria De La Luz?
Join us for a taster session focused on Francisco Goya’s genre painting The Sanctimonious, which features the child Luis Berganza and the little Black girl Maria de la Luz.
This painting reimagines a humorous domestic scene Goya is believed to have witnessed firsthand while staying at the palace of María Cayetana de Silva, the 13th Duchess of Alba—one of the most powerful and wealthy women in 18th-century Spain, and a close companion of the artist.
With a particular focus on Maria de la Luz, we will delve into her story, consider what her life may have been like living at the palace, and reflect on what might have happened to her after the Duchess’s death.
Rubra, 1961
From Trinidad to British Landscapes: The Legacy of Althea McNish in British Design.
This 60-minute talk explores Althea McNish’s bold and vibrant designs, which transformed the landscape of British textiles in post-war Britain. Born in Trinidad, McNish fused Caribbean tropical colours with the English landscape to create distinctive patterns that became a symbol of modernity in the evolving British design scene. Her contributions not only reshaped the textile industry but also played a significant role in representing the rich cultural heritage brought by the Windrush generation.
Solar I, c. 1960s
Aubrey Williams' Apocalyptic Vision: Abstract Expressionism
Together, we will uncover the apocalyptic visions of Guyanese-born artist Aubrey Williams (1926–1990). Williams’ pioneering work remained largely under-recognised for much of his life, but in recent years it has begun to gain the attention it deserves. In this session, you will be introduced to Williams’ early life and work in Guyana, his bold abstract paintings, and his striking depictions of birds—reflecting his lifelong passion as an amateur ornithologist.