Lunchtime lecture: Ithell Colquhoun - mystical surrealist
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- Start Date: 10 Jun 2025End Date: 10 Jun 2025Tue (Daytime): 13:00 - 14:00OnlineFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £7.00
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What is the course about?
This lecture provides a short introduction to art of Ithell Colquhoun, focusing on her mystical subject matter and art practice. The lecture takes a chronological approach to her work. Although biographical, the lecture focuses mainly on her visual art rather than her writings. In the first part, we look at how and why Colquhoun came to the Surrealist movement. We will explore one or two of her major works as part of the movement in the 1930s.
In the second part of the lecture, we discuss her artistic process and how it reflected a growing interest in mysticism and magic, topics that would eventually get her kicked out of the Surrealist group. We will look at the evolution of her surrealism into the ‘Earth Mysteries’ movement.
What will we cover?
• An introduction to the art of Ithell Colquhoun
• Surrealism in the 1930s and why Colquhoun fit and did not fit
• Colquhoun’s artistic process and how it related to magic and mysticism.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand key elements of Colquhoun’s artistic processes
• Describe at least one, outstanding visual characteristic of Colquhoun’s work
• Be able to have a general discussion about the relevance of mysticism in mid-century British art.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to all.
You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with lecture and slide presentation. This course does not include an active discussion element, but there will be time for Q&A at the end of the session. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Search for 'lunchtime lectures' to see all of the talks on offer in the coming year.
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.
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