Friday lates: Phantom of Sex Appeal: women Surrealists in Britain
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: VB690
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
Although female artists played a major role in the formation and innovation of the Surrealism, the narrative of the movement is dominated by the stories of male artists. Women in surrealism are frequently characterised as ‘muses’ whose bodies become the objects of dreams and desires. The truth is that women were active contributors to the making of Surrealist art and theory. In particular, female artists working in London developed new directions for the Surrealist movement, expanding the complexity of its working methods and forms.
This Friday evening talk will introduce the innovative surrealism of four female artists working in and around London in the mid-to-late 20th century. From the magic realism of Leonora Carrington to the occult automatism of Ithell Colquhoun, the photojournalism of Lee Miller and the natural forms of Eileen Agar, we will look at how these artists broadened and strengthen the reach of surrealism from their London-based context.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
• An introduction to the typical narrative of women in surrealism
• The distinct context of London Surrealism
• Eileen Agar as the first female Surrealist in London
• Leonora Carrington’s magic realism
• Ithell Colquohoun’s distinctive take on psychic automatism
• The tragic genius of Lee Miller’s photojournalism.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Describe, in general, the key elements of Surrealist art and theory
• Describe the artwork of at least two Surrealist artists and how it reflects Surrealist thought
• Discuss at least one way London provides a unique setting for Surrealist practice.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Our Friday Lates series runs in the autumn and spring terms - search 'Friday lates' to find more….
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. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor 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.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.