COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Masters in Focus series takes you into the art and lives of past masters, helping you understand more about how to read each master’s work, exactly why they have stood the test of time and what about their work stood out among their contemporaries. Each series takes four artists from a key art historical period, and, by doing so, provides you with insight into the unique context in which they lived and worked.

In Masters in Focus I, Dr Nick Gordon and Dr Will Visconti focus on Paul Cezanne, Toulouse-Lautrec, Suzanne Valadon and Henri Rousseau. The story these four artists tell is of the great transformations in the arts in fin de siecle France, but through their work we also see the vibrance of the new modern world and the trials of the artists who pushed against the social and aesthetic conservatism of the period.

Each of these artists has had an enduring influence. Their innovative styles, motifs and techniques have inspired other artists to take new paths and have shown generations of us more generally how to see beauty in subjects that were once thought improper subjects for great art.

COURSE CONTENT

Session 1: Paul Cezanne (Dr Nick Gordon)

Session 2: Henri Toulouse-Lautrec (Dr Will Visconti)

Session 3: Suzanne Valadon (Dr Will Visconti)

Session 4:Henri Rousseau Dr Nick Gordon)

LECTURERs

Dr Nick Gordon is a cultural historian and holds a PhD in history from the University of Sydney. His research into medieval and Renaissance Europe has won numerous academic awards and scholarships, including the University Medal in history from the University of Sydney, and has been published in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. Nick has over 15 years’ experience as a lecturer to university and public audiences.

Dr Will Visconti has a PhD in French Studies and Italian Studies from the University of Sydney. His research ranges across numerous disciplines - literature, history, cultural studies, theatre and art history. He has taught art history, French and Italian at the University of Sydney, where he is an Adjunct Lecturer, and at Central St Martins, London. His research focuses on sex, the arts and transgression in history, and how contemporary performance continues to draw inspiration from historical performers and venues.

COURSE STRUCTURE

4 x 1.5 hour sessions. Each session includes an interactive lecture and time for questions and discussion.