– Title of the talk: Modern Art?
– Speaker: Erin Steele
– Date and time: Friday 27 March at 7:30 pm
– Venue: Arthall, 8, triq Agius de Soldanis, Victoria, Gozo
– Description of the Event:

“I don’t get Modern Art.” “My kid could do that.” “What is the point of this?” “How is this art?”

If these thoughts have ever crossed your mind at a gallery or museum, then you are in very good company. Just imagine for a moment the public’s reaction when French artist Marcel Duchamp presented a urinal as his pièce de résistance at a New York City art exhibition. Duchamp’s now-infamous presentation of a porcelain urinal turned on its side and titled Fountain has been sparking outrage, ridicule, and fierce debate ever since its debut in 1917. Did Duchamp have a point, or was he simply engaging in an early form of trolling?

Interpretations of Duchamp’s intent may differ, but by designating a vulgar, mass-produced object as art through sheer choice and context, he launched a long-term shift in art from a focus on beauty to ideas, intention, and intellectual provocation. This single act influenced a wide range of artistic styles and movements throughout the 20th century, including Dada’s anti-art absurdity, Surrealism’s exploration of the subconscious and dreams, the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism, the consumer-culture critique of Pop Art, and the idea-driven experiments of Conceptual Art and beyond. But what does it all mean? How and why did art evolve from a purely aesthetic experience into what we now know as Modern and Contemporary Art?

Come to the next philosophy talk at Arthall to explore these questions. Free entrance.

-About the Speaker:

Erin Steele, whose enthusiasm for controversial subjects has inspired her to host past philosophy talks about Simulation Theory, Sadism, and Anarchy, returns to host a discussion on the history and philosophy of Modern Art. Expect a spirited discussion covering Duchamp’s radical challenge to the boundaries of what counts as art, key movements of the 20th century, and enduring debates about meaning, value, and human experience that contemporary artists continue to provoke today. Join us for a lively exploration of art that might still leave you baffled but could also change how you see and question artistic expression.

– Contact details Arthall:
Marta Obiols Fornell at arthallgozo@gmail.com or 77051564.
Address: 8, triq Agius de Soldanis, Victoria, Gozo.
Visit: arthallgozo.com or https://www.facebook.com/ArtHallGozo