Lunchtime lecture: Louise Bourgeois, the abject and the erotic

What is the course about?

This lecture provides a short introduction to art of Louise Bourgeois, focusing on her choice of subject and interest in storytelling. The lecture is feminist and philosophical in nature. It looks at the subjects of Bourgeois’s work and relates them to the varied experiences of women’s bodies: the erotic, the beautiful, the maternal, the aged, the lived flesh. Additionally, it introduces Julia Kristeva’s concept of ‘the abject’ as a way of understanding Bourgeois’s, often confrontational, artworks.
We will match subject matter with artistic process to understand how Bourgeois articulated her complex subject through expert art making – lines, textures, physical materials.
Content warning: this talk will discuss sexuality and eroticism as well as social violence against women; in particular, the literal confinement of women in cages and hospitals (for hysteria) as well as the metaphorical confinement of women by social norms of beauty and gender. We will look at a range of art works some of which Bourgeois intended to be unsettling. For example, sculptures that look like raw flesh or matted hair. We will also look at sculptures that intentionally resemble phalluses or breasts. Bourgeois’s work is irreverent, satirical and often humorous, but some people may find it too offensive for their sensibilities.

What will we cover?

• An introduction to the art of Louise Bourgeois
• Her unique feminist art and how it challenges social stereotypes of male/female bodies
• Bourgeois’s art processes and how they link to her subject matter
• A brief introduction to Julia Kristeva’s abject.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Understand key elements of Bourgeois’s subject matter
• Describe at least one, consistent visual element within the art of Bourgeois
• Be able to contribute to a general discussion of feminist art in the mid-to-late 20th century.

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.