Tuesday talks: Donald Rodney and the BLK Art Group
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 01 Apr 2025End Date: 01 Apr 2025Tue (Daytime): 15:30 - 17:00OnlineFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £8.00 Concession £7.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This Tuesday Talk provides a short introduction to BLK Art Group, its origins and historical context of the Windrush Generation, austerity and nationalism. After developing an understanding of the art movement’s goals, philosophies and art practice, we will explore the art of some of the major artists associated with the group: Eddie Chambers, Keith Piper, Claudette Johnson, Lubaina Himid and Sonia Boyce.
The last part of the talk will place special emphasis on the work of Donald Rodney whose life and work are the subject of a large retrospective at the Whitechapel Gallery in London, until 4th of May, 2025.
The study of history reveals difficult truths, but the purpose of history is empowerment and empathy, human connection. This talk hopes to inspire an understanding of this incredible group of artists who formed new trajectories of art and histories in Britain.
Content warning: in developing an historical context and understanding of the political content of some of the art discussed, there will be harrowing images of racism, specifically from social unrest in 1981 London and apartheid South Africa. Additionally, the art of Donald Rodney deals with disease and disability, specifically his personal experiences related to sickle cell anaemia. Some learners may find some of the art emotionally difficult.
What will we cover?
• An introduction the BLK Art Group and its historical context
• Major artists in the movement and examples of their work
• Special focus on the art of Donald Rodney.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Explain the historical context of the BLK Art Group
• Describe the art of at least one of the artists discussed
• Be able to contribute to a general discussion on certain themes in contemporary 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 include an invitation to a short discussion during the session and there will be a 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.
-
Iconography and iconology: secrets of the old masters revealedFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
