I Know It When I See It Series: Flowers, Abstractions, or Vulvas?

 Inspired by PAFA’s retrospective exhibition of the work of pioneering feminist Joan Semmel (b. 1932), this series of four evening lectures will explore issues suggested by her preferred subject matter: the unclothed human body.  More specifically, in these richly illustrated talks art historian Nancy G. Heller will explore what is generally called “erotic” art.  

In Class Two of the series  Heller asks What, exactly, are we looking at and why does it matter?  Also, how about the treatment, in visual art, of the female breast? Works by Gustave Courbet, Georgia O’Keeffe, Judy Chicago, and Marjorie Strider will be considered.

Important Note: To help accommodate diverse schedules, individual class sessions will be recorded and made available to class participants for a week after each class takes place.

This program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition Joan Semmel: Skin In The Game