This series of lectures asks some of the key questions about the development of portraiture. We look at some of the problems artists encounter in representing their subjects and the diversity of portraiture's forms and functions. Oskar Kokoschka has been described as THE great painter of rootless 'modern man', who brought to portraiture a new dimension of psychological richness and complexity. What was new and shocking about Kokoschka's early portraits was their lack of naturalism and their loose Expressionist style, bright colours and dynamic figuration. In his hands the portrait becomes a deposit of human experience, rather like an archaeological site, which the artist must excavate. No previous experience is necessary -just a lively, open-minded interest in art!
Course aim
This lecture is one of a series that explores some of the different approaches to portraiture
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No previous experience is necessary - just a lively, open-minded interest in art!
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand what is meant by the term 'Expressionism'
- Identify the key characteristics of Kokoschka's portraits
- Recognize some of the significant influences on Kokoschka's work , including the effect of two world wars.
- Interpret the possible meanings embodied in some of the paintings under discussion
What else do I need to know?
A list of images under discussion, booklist and relevant web sites will be available on canvas
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