Art appreciation lecture series 2021 - Term 1
Love, sex and death: The constant companions of art
We are pleased to announce the return of the highly popular Art Appreciation lecture series Love, sex and death: The constant companions of art in a refreshed format for 2021.
Whilst Oscar Wilde once stated that ‘Life imitates art far more than art imitates life’, this Art Appreciation lecture series will look at how love, sex and death, and artists’ obsessions with these, underpin much of the art that has been produced for millennia.
The theme will provide new information about some artists who we thought we knew but whose skills and output were sometimes driven by other desires. We also look at why some artists died lonely and under-appreciated whilst others had celebrated careers, grand funerals and elaborate tombs.
Over three terms, some of this country’s most revered art historians and curators will explore and reveal the constant companions of art.
Please note that the 2021 series will be released on a term by term basis. Book now for Term 1.
The wellbeing of our members, visitors and staff is our highest priority. We are following the comprehensive COVID-Safe Plan developed by the Art Gallery of NSW in line with NSW Health guidelines, with extensive measures in place to ensure your safety. Before your visit, we encourage you to read the latest visit information
Book online
Wednesday lectures
Wednesday Term 1 subscription – sold out
Thursday lectures
Thursday Term 1 subscription – sold out
Individual lectures: see below
Listen to podcasts
Image: Richard Larter Five in a row show 1969 (detail), Art Gallery of New South Wales © Richard Larter. Licensed by Copyright Agency
Various Wednesdays 6pm or Thursdays 1pm
3 February – 29 April 2021
Per term: non-member $300, member $225
Per lecture: non-member $40, member $30
Term 1: 3 February – 29 April
Bookings and enquiries: 02 9225 1878
Become a member
Transaction terms and conditions, including cancellations and refunds
Duration 1 hour
Location: Domain Theatre
Proudly sponsored by
Venice – the perfect setting for love, sex and death BOOKED OUT
Ron Ramsey
Wednesday 3 February 2021 6pm – 7pm
BOOKED OUT
Thursday 4 February 2021 1pm – 2pm
BOOKED OUT
Mr Arthur Streeton and Miss Nora Clench: the protracted wooing of an independent Edwardian woman
Wayne Tunnicliffe
Vanitas: mortality and morality in 17th-century Dutch painting
Georgina Cole
A tale of tormented love: Cupid and Psyche in the Palazzo del Te
Lorraine Kypiotis
Queer love, fashion and fancy: Sydney, Mardi Gras capital
Peter McNeil
Elizabeth (Stanhope) Forbes: art and life in Victorian Britain
Josephine Touma
The tomb in architecture: from the Enlightenment to Carlo Scarpa
Peter Kohane
Fragonard: the game of love
Peter Raissis
L’amour fou: Surrealism and love
Jaime Tsai
Love, sex and death in the Gallery
Steven Miller
'Seekers of souls': Margaret Baskerville and Charles Douglas Richardson
Denise Mimmocchi