Lecture Programme: 2022-23 season
Unless otherwise stated, all lectures start at 6pm (Spanish time) and are ...
• in the Cultural Centre, calle Granada, Nerja and also
• available on the internet using Zoom.
‡ Nerja Museum, 12noon
Modigliani remains of the most popular artists of the 20th century. I discuss his short life in some detail looking at his early development and his arrival and life in Paris from 1906 to his death in 1920. Modigliani was at the centre of Bohemian Paris and was a close friend of Maurice Utrillo, Picasso, Max Jacob, Moise Kisling, Chaïm Soutine and many other painters and writers who made up Bohemian Paris. I discuss the influences on his painting and sculpture including Cézanne, African art and Cubism and show how he developed a highly individual style of his own. I look at his haunting portraits and sensual nudes while exploring the Bohemian life of Montmartre.
About Julian Halsby
Studied History of Art at Cambridge. Formerly Senior Lecturer and Head of Department at Croydon College of Art. Publications include Venice - the Artist's Vision (1990, 1995), The Art of Diana Armfield RA (1995), Dictionary of Scottish Painters (1990, 1998, 2001, 4th edition 2010), A Hand to Obey the Demon's Eye (2000), Scottish Watercolours 1740-1940 (1986, 1991), A Private View - David Wolfers and the New Grafton Gallery (2002). Interviews artists for the Artist Magazine and is a member of the International Association of Art Critics and The Critics Circle. A practising artist, he was elected to the Royal Society of British Artists in 1994 and appointed Keeper in 2010. Julian has talked to us before, the last time being in 2018, wjhen he told us about Misia Sert.
The fantastic worlds peopled by devils that the Early Netherlandish painter Hieronymus Bosch (d. 1516) created have often been 'explained' as the work of a visionary, a heretic, or even a hallucinating madman. Yet to his contemporaries Bosch was a gifted artist who received prestigious commissions and whose work inspired many.
Long after Bosch's death his work was avidly collected by that most Catholic of kings, Philip II of Spain: this is why so many of his works are now housed in the Prado and in the Escorial, and why 'El Bosco' is often wrongly believed to have been a Spanish artist.
This lecture will look at Bosch's art within its historical and cultural context in order to gain a better understanding of this intriguing paintert whose works was to inspire surrealist artists such as Salvador Dalí.
About Sophie Oosterwijk
Born in Gouda (Netherlands). Has an MA and PhD in English Literature (Leiden), an MA in Medieval Studies (York) and a PhD in Art History (Leicester). Has taught at the universities of St Andrews, Leicester and Manchester, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, National Trust, V&A, U3A, WEA and other organisations, and organised many study days, tours and visits. Also a regular lecturer for Cambridge University and travel companies, and Honorary Research Fellow with the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews. Numerous publications.
Member's Talk
venue: Nerja Museum at 12:00This talk will not be available on Zoom.
Theatrical scene design is one of the world's most beautiful, varied and lively art forms. In this talk, Bertie looks at the relationship between actor and audience and how this transformed the space and architecture of theatre throughout the ages. 
Beginning with the Greeks and their remarkable innovations to pageants, masques, liturgical drama, through the science of perspective, to court theatre. A quick glance at Commedia dell'arte before entering the Elizabethan stage of the Globe and the Fortune and arriving at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. From great architects such as Inigo Jones and Frank Matcham, to practitioners such as Granville Barker and Gordon Craig and designers Cecil Beaton and Oliver Messel, Bertie brings to life the magical world of theatre.
Please note - this lecture starts an hour earlier than usual.
About Bertie Pearce
Has a BA (Hons) in Drama from Manchester University, and a Diploma Internationale from the École Internationale du Théatre, Jacques Lecoq. A member of the Inner Magic Circle, with Gold Star. Past experience includes lecturing and performing on cruise ships, and to U3A, historical societies, festivals, schools and colleges. In addition, has toured the world with a magic cabaret show and a one man show entitled All Aboard. Has written articles for newspapers and magazines on entertainment and theatre. Bertie Pearce is no stranger to us in Nerja. The last time, in November 2021, the talk was delivered from his home using Zoom. We are hoping he will in Nerja in person for this talk.
My lecture will delve into the origins of Picasso's imaginery.
Themes and images that continue to appear in his work from his beginnings till his last pieces, mostly linked to his Mediterranean roots.
More than 80 years of work reflecting life and death, family, religion, the minotaur and the bull, greek mythology, and his cannibalization of the great masters of art.
From his very first known bullfight oil painting at the age of 8 to his very last musketeers at 91 years.
His great variety of techniques and his constant research into new ways of artistic expressions.
His life among artists friends and many other that enriched his personal and artistic life.
About Alejandra Carazo
Alejandra Carazo studied History of Art in Málaga University and holds a Master degree in Art & Comunication from the Complutense University in Madrid.
She became an expert in the work of Pablo Picasso and Modern Art during her years as coordinator of the education department and researcher at the Museo Picasso Málaga, where she worked hand in hand with the curating department in the organization of the Museum's Collection and temporary exhibitions.
She is nowadays working freelance as curator and researcher for galleries and has become an expert in interior design for art collectors.
Dame Zaha Hadid 1950 - 2016 was a star architect, a teacher, an artist and designer:
The Queen of the Curve, she outcurved Frank Gehr, a planet in its own orbit, larger than life and bold as brass, the Inventor of the 89 degrees, an architect with spectacular vision. Just a few remarks from fellow architects.
A woman born in Iraq, a major figure in architecture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her 
major works include the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics, Rome's MAXXI Museum, and the Guangzhou Opera House. Several of her buildings were still under construction at the time of her death, including the Al Wakrah Stadium in Qatar, a venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Hadid was showered by awards: the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize. She received the UK's most prestigious architectural award, the Stirling Prize twice. She was made a Dame by Elizabeth II, and in 2016 she became the first woman to be individually awarded the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects. She is high on the lists of the most influential figures in the world.
We are going to have a look at her visionary abstract paintings, her stunning buildings and amazing furniture and fashion. We will travel through her life from her first designs that were never built, to the highlights in her career to those that were finished after her untimely death in 2016 and see if we agree with the epithets given to her.
About Helen Sijsling
Drs Helen Sijsling MA (born in Australia, lived in the Netherlands, lives in Spain), MA History of Art (University of Leyden), MA English Literature (Universities of Leyden and Oxford) and MA Educational Management (University of Amsterdam). Helen taught English for the first part of her career to later become management consultant on education, advising secondary schools on educational improvement and training teachers and managers in The Netherlands and the Antilles. Helen is presently Chairman of The Arts Society Nerja and has lectured for many years to The Arts Societies in Europe.
Two centuries ago, on a beach in the Bay of Cadiz, Freedom was defeated by Absolutism. In 1823 the first Constitutional Government of Spain was overthrown by an International Coalition that included several European countries and was led by France. In a single battle, in the Andalusian town of Puerto Real (Cádiz), on August 31, 1823, the Spanish liberals would be defeated by the army sent by the International Coalition: after that, the first period of constitutional government in Spain would have an end. This battle took place in an island called "El Trocadero", and would give its name to one of the most famous squares in Paris, just as the Battle of Trafalgar would give its name to a famous square in London.
We will approach the History of these events that occurred two hundred years ago and that are not an isolated event, but are part of the Liberal revolutionary processes in Europe, of the path of construction of Democracy in Europe during the 19th Century.
About Manuel Parodi
Manuel Parodi, historian and archaeologist, has been working on the History of Archaeology in Northern Morocco and Southern Spain since 2005, and has published several books and articles regarding this particular matter. He has also been working in several Archaeological and Historical Research Projects in Morocco since 2005, including the Archaeological Museum of Tetouan, its Archives and historical documents and records.
Manuel has talked to us several times: in November 2016 about The Spanish Indiana Jones in North Africa 1900-1948, in October 2019 about Gadir/Cádiz and in November 2020 about the Magellan-Elcano circumnavigation of the world. His most recent talk ws in March 2022 when he discussed Vikings in Al Andalus.
V
isitors to Helsinki are often surprised by its architecture, populated by unusual creatures and mythical characters from Finland's national epic, the Kalevala. This also inspired Jean Sibelius to compose some of his finest music, and artists such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela to paint some remarkable works, all coming together in Finland's quest for nationhood and turning its capital city into a jewel of art nouveau, but with a distinctly Finnish flavour.
About Brian Healey
A senior modern languages teacher in an independent grammar school for many years, I have also enjoyed a successful parallel career since the 1980s as a professional artist and interior designer. Since 2006 I have been regularly appointed to a number of prestigious ocean and river cruise lines, either as resident artist, guest lecturer on art history or as destination speaker for more than forty countries. Most recently this work has successfully extended to art guiding through important towns and museums in France, Belgium, Holland and Spain. Brian is no stranger to Nerja; he last talked to us, via Zoom, in April 2021 when he described the work of Anders Zorn and, in a separate talk, that of John Singer Sargent. Hopefully he will be delivering this lecture in person in Nerja.
The Nazis looted over 20% of Western Art during World War II, confiscating art from Jewish families and emptying museums throughout Europe. This lecture will provide an overview of Nazi looting by setting the scene in Nazi Germany, discussing Hitler's obsession with art and how the Monuments Men recovered art after the war. Several landmark cases will be discussed in detail, including Gustav Klimt's celebrated Portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer and the stash of over 1200 artworks found in possession of the son of a notorious Nazi dealer.
About Shauna Isaac
Shauna Isaac has been active in World War II art restitution for several years and has worked with families and government organisations to recover Nazi looted art. She set up the Central Registry on Looted Cultural Property and served as a member of the Working Group for the Holocaust Era Assets Conference in Prague. Shauna studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art in the UK and Smith College in the USA. She is a regular lecturer at the Sotheby's Institute of Art. Her publications include articles for The Art Newspaper, The Times Literary Supplement and Art Quarterly. She is a contributor to the book Insiders/Outsiders: Refuges from Nazi Europe and their contribution to British Visual Culture. Shauna entertained in January 2020 with a talk on sensational art thefts.
The fascinating story about the different ways the apostle James was depicted by artists through the centuries and the role of politics.
Some people do the camino for religious reasons, some for spiritual reasons but you can also do it for art historical reasons! The camino is an amazing journey along the most stunning art, esp of the 12th c.
This lecture is about the main character on the camino and the patron saint of Spain since the 9thc: S
t James or in Spanish: Santiago.
This lecture will be about a few facts and a lot of stories, legends, myths and some miracles on the famous Camino, like the miracle of the hanged man and the cooked chickens that come to life. And illustrated with amazing art through the centuries.
About Hele
n Sijsling
Dr Helen Sijsling MA (born in Australia, lived in the Netherlands, lives in Spain), MA History of Art (University of Leyden), MA English Literature (Universities of Leyden and Oxford) and MA Educational Management (University of Amsterdam). Helen taught English for the first part of her career to later become management consultant on education, advising secondary schools on educational improvement and training teachers and managers in The Netherlands and the Antilles. Helen is presently Chairman of The Arts Society Nerja and has lectured for many years to The Arts Societies in Europe
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) and Diego Rivera (1886-1957) have iconic status in Mexico. The Mexican Revolution of 1910 swept away the old regime and banished European influence in the arts. Kahlo and Rivera, in their different ways, helped to shape the cultural identity of twentieth-century Mexico. Together they made Mexico a magnet for the rest of the world.
The Mexican mural movement, born during the 1920s, was destined to produce some of the greatest public art of the last century. Diego Rivera's panoramic images adorn the walls of public buildings, combining social criticism with a faith in human progress. Inspired by early Italian fresco painting, as well as by Aztec and Maya imagery, his intricate visual narratives incorporate allegory and symbolism.
Compared with the monumental scale of Rivera's work, Kahlo's work is small in format. Arguably Mexico's most original painter, she made herself the principal theme of her art. Her paintings reflect her experiences, dreams, hopes and fears.
In 2005 an estimated 340,000 visitors saw her retrospective at Tate Modern. Photographs of Frida were simultaneously exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery under the title Frida Kahlo: Portraits of an Icon. In 2011, the Pallant House Gallery in Chichester hosted an exhibition of their work: Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: Masterpieces from the Gelman Collection. In 2018, the Victoria and Albert Museum showed paintings, photographs and clothing for the exhibition Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up The accompanying lecture series was organised by Chloë She also contributed to the exhibition catalogue, which is still on sale.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were married in 1929. Their turbulent marriage and the turbulent times they lived through are the subject of the film Frida (USA, 2002). They are key figures in The Lacuna, a historical novel published in 2009 by Barbara Kingsolver and currently on the reading list of many UK Book Clubs. (In November 2021 Diego y yo (right) sold for $35M - an auction record for Latin art.)
About Chloe Sayer
Freelance specialist in the art and culture of Latin America. Has lectured in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Has curated exhibitions, and assisted on TV documentaries for BBC and Channel 4. Has made collections in Mexico and Belize for the British Museum, and is Research Associate in the Department of World Cultures at the Royal Ontario Museum. In 2016 she was awarded the prestigious Ohtli medal by the Mexican government for her long-standing commitment to Mexican culture. Her many publications include Mexican Textiles (British Museum Press, 1990), Arts and Crafts of Mexico (Thames & Hudson, 1990), Focus on Aztecs and Incas (Watts Books, 1995), The Incas - The Ancient World (Wayland, 1998), Textiles from Mexico (British Museum Press, 2002), and Mexico: Clothing and Culture (Royal Ontario Museum, 2015). Has also published articles in travel guides, newspapers and magazines.
The Guggenheim family managed to amass extraordinary art collections, and design or acquire astounding buildings to display their art, their name even becoming a brand. This talk, based on my experience working at the Guggenheim in Venice, examines the celebrated museums in New York, Venice and Bilbao, as well as the stunning works they display.
About Andrew Hopkins
Previously Assistant Director of the British School at Rome from 1998 to 2002 and since 2004, Associate Professor at the University of L'Aquila. Part of his PhD (Courtauld Institute 1995) on Venetian architecture was awarded the Essay Medal of 1996 by the Society of Architectural Historians (GB). A Fellow at Harvard University's Villa I Tatti in Florence in 2003-2004, and in 2009 was the Paul Mellon Senior Visiting Fellow, Center for Advanced Studies in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Amongst his many publications are, with Arnold Witte, Alois Riegl, The Origins of Baroque Art in Rome (2010), and Baldassare Longhena and the Venetian Baroque (2012).