Art History Lectures
Fridays at 1:00 pm with Ronnit Vasserman
FREE for virtual members, $10 for individual programs for non-members
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January 8:
The Femme Fatales of Art History - An Examination of the Most Famous Paintings of Women
Given our current reality of staying at home and social distancing, in this lecture we will virtually visit museums throughout the world that are home to famous portraits of women. A thorough analysis of each work including dimensions, material, year(s) created and an introduction to the artists will be explained. We will discuss the significance of the work at the time it was created and how the artwork continues to inspire and be part of popular culture. Some examples of these museum treasures include Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci at the Louvre in Paris and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer at Mauritshuis in the Netherlands. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
February 12:
The Most Influential African American Artists: Let’s View the World through their Eyes
An important shift in the art world has been that African American artists are more visible than ever. They have been excluded from the art history canon for too long. This lecture explores the most influential African-American artists with a special emphasis on emerging voices of the last 25 years. We will address reoccurring themes in their works such as identity, experience, culture, racism, civil rights and black power movements and memory. We will look at a variety of artworks spanning all media including sculpture, painting, photography, performance and more. Some of the artists included in this presentation are Betye Saar, Jordan Casteel, Rashid Johnson, Sam Gilliam, Christina Quarles, Mickalene Thomas, Kara Walker, Faith Ringgold, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, David Hammons, Lorna Simpson, Carrie Mae Weems, Hank Willis Thomas, Amy Sherald and others. We will also touch on exuberant auction records and notable shows and commissions.
March 12:
Warhol Women: Iconic Paintings of Leading Female Figures
An exploration of Andy Warhol’s fascination with women and femininity from the 60’s through the 80s. He devotedly represented women regardless of age, race or fame. In this lecture we will view vibrant portraits of Hollywood superstars such as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland, as well as entertainers such as Debbie Harry, Dolly Parton and Liza Minneli. Andy was also fascinated by powerful women who wielded power on an international scale, such as Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. This lecture will also include figures outside the limelight such as a 1974 portrait of Warhol’s then-deceased mother, Julia Warhol, At first glance, the factory made silk screen portraits seem impersonal and detached Yet, upon extended viewing, they convey portraits where the woman is allowed to be who she is. Moreover, Andy could portray women from the eye of a man without sexualizing the image.
April 9:
CHAGALL: The Quintessential Jewish Artist of the 20th Century
Marc Chagall was a Russian-French artist who worked in a variety of media but is most renowned for his paintings. During his time, he was the foremost Jewish artist in the world and has since been referred to as “the quintessential Jewish artist of the twentieth century”. Chagall is most known for his vibrant use of color to attract the viewer’s attention. His artworks are usually lively and imaginative and often combine Cubism and Fauvism with his folkish style. This lecture will cover his most iconic works. We will explore how the places he lived, his personal background and current events impacted his art.
May 14:
Famous Memorials & Monuments throughout the United States (in honor of Memorial Day)
This lecture will take us on a virtual road trip throughout the United States and we will “visit” iconic memorials and monuments. War memorials honor a time when men and women made the ultimate sacrifice, risking their lives for their love for the country. These sites appeal to family members and friends who wish to commemorate their loved ones' service, as well as to those who want to pay their respects to the fallen. We will explore the artistic aspects of these larger than life landmarks. Some of the memorials include The Vietnam memorial, USS Arizona, Korean War Veteran’s memorial, 9/11 memorial. We will also look at Contemporary artist, Kehinde Wiley’s monument “Rumors of War” which grapples with a current topic of the removal of confederate statues, markers and other monuments that celebrate controversial Civil War era figures from public grounds. Do we remove or destroy these monuments in an effort to rewrite history? Or do we live with them as a reminder of past mistakes?
About Ronnit Vasserman: Ronnit Vasserman is the founder of the firm Art Connect Group located in New York. After a successful career in investment banking she now dedicates her time to her favorite asset class, art. She has a degree in Fine Arts and Art History. In addition to helping clients acquire art she educates them on all the latest trends by organizing events throughout the year. These events include studio, museum, auction house and gallery visits and now … virtual lectures.
