The Classical Model and the Barbarian Challenge of Modern Art

Brian’s lecture on the Barbarian challenge includes the work of Picasso with special reference to the work of Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, the detonator of modern painting.

Brian’s Lecture will seek the clarify the apparent misunderstanding which exists between Classical and modern thinking in art.

He will make reference to the renaissance period and it’s adoption of classical thinking , to, an all encompassing ideal for artists and humanity.

This model will be matched against the emergence of modern art at the start of the 20th century.

Brian will:

Show how renaissance principles were built.

He will:

Present the new classical model derived from antiquity and in particular, its implications for society and the individual... with its new freedoms for artists to express themselves and art into a new modern age.

Brian will:

Posit the apparent threat made by 20th Century modern art.

He will:

Cite selected artists.. notably Picasso.. who appeared to defy classical thinking with art made from theories, resulting in, non visual and abstract responses.

He will:

Attempt to resolve these divisions with a rationale where..

Art has always been modern.. and

Artists have always responded to their times.