In 1859 Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution shattered mankind’s previously held ideas of who we are and where we came from. This profound change in thinking about the world, expressed in his book On the Origin of Species, continues to spark outrage and debate today.
To celebrate the bicentenary of Darwin’s birth and 150th year since publication of On the Origin of Species, the Art Gallery Society of NSW presents an 8-part lecture course Darwin’s Great Idea: How Evolution Rewrote Our World exploring the man, his theories, his influence and his legacy. Not everyone may be aware of just how many realms Darwin’s theories came to influence. Our speakers, experts in their fields, will reveal how Darwin came to influence many areas of our lives, not only the sciences and religion, but design, philosophy, architecture, poetry, literature, sculpture and painting. Darwin’s Great Idea: How Evolution Rewrote Our World is a fascinating, thought provoking and entertaining series that just may change the way you see the world too.
Each session will include readings from the works of Darwin and others by distinguished Australian actor John Derum. Click here to view a list of the lecturers
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'Monkey in front of skeleton' by Prague-born Austrian painter Gabriel von Max at Schirn Kunsthalle Photo: FRANK RUMPENHORST/CORBIS IMAGES
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15 November - SOLD OUT Charles Darwin: Told By His Great Great Grandson - Chris Darwin Chris Darwin is the great-great-grandson of Charles. As he takes you through Charles' life you will get personal and amusing insights that only a family member can provide. Chris will also touch on Charles' profound influence on modern ecology. By the end of the talk you may decide that you have just witnessed that a glimmer of Charles Darwin still survives today. The Idea of Environmental Adaptation in Architecture - Dr Michael Hill This lecture will examine the idea, common since the late 18th century, that biological evolution is a useful model in explaining the development of architectural types and decoration.
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29 November Brancusi, Metaphor and Metamorphosis - Terence Maloon The outstanding modernist sculptor of the 1910s and '20s, Constantin Brancusi, was intensely preoccupied with ideas about ‘origins’. The sexual frankness and metaphors of growth and transformation in the forms he created may be re-examined in the light of Darwinian poetics. Intelligent Design: How Intelligent? - Jamie Leonarder In this lecture film critic Jamie Leonarder looks at some of the more dramatic responses to Darwin, in particular screen adaptations of the Scope’s Monkey Trial for stage and screen.  | |
