American Abstract Expressionism

This lecture by Prof Maria Chester, will explore the art of the Abstract Expressionists in New York. It is one of two lectures on Art and Music in post-war New York, the other, by Prof Mike Worboys, examines the work of composer Morton Feldman.

You can book each lecture for £4 or book a joint ticket here for £6. No prior knowledge is assumed.

Due to the rise of Nazism in Europe, numerous well-known artists such as Duchamp, Miro, Dali, Picabia and many others had to leave Europe. They were leaders of well-established movements such as DaDa, Surrealism and Bauhaus. Many of them were invited to become teachers at Black Mountain College in North Carolina, USA, including the Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. The school faculty included brilliant composers such as John Cage and dancers like Merce Cunningham. Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell were teachers of students like Robert Rauschenberg and Kenneth Noland. Many of the school’s faculty and students were or would go on to become highly influential in the arts, and helped consolidate New York’s position at the center of Western art. Morton Feldman, a major figure in 20th century music, was inspired by the work of the abstract expressionists in New York and wrote the famous piece ‘Rothko Chapel’ (1971) for the building of the same name, which houses paintings by Mark Rothko).

The lecture will be delivered via Zoom. If you haven’t used Zoom before, please go to www.zoom.us and look at the tutorials. An invitation to each lecture will be emailed to you.

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