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Spotlight on Modigliani: A Modern Artist's Life in Paris with Dr. Jennie Hirsh

Spotlight on Modigliani: A Modern Artist's Life in Paris with Dr. Jennie Hirsh


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Now renowned for his enigmatic and languid painted nudes as well as arresting sculptural heads, Amadeo Modigliani (1884-1920) enjoyed little fame during his lifetime in comparison with his posthumous critical success, a contrast that we will consider along with the artist's own very self-destructive behavior. This fall, Philadelphia's Barnes Foundation has mounted Modigliani: Up Close, a ground-breaking exhibition that focuses on the materials and methods of this enigmatic Italian-born painter and sculptor whose practice mostly unfolded in his adopted city of Paris where he lived from 1906 onward. An overview of his short but critically important career, this seminar not only traces his life but also looks at new approaches to his work, analyzing the current exhibition on view in Philadelphia as well as other recent exhibitions held at the Jewish Museum in New York, the Albertina in Vienna, and more.

In addition to considering Modigliani's working practice as well as his relationships with his Parisian peers, we will look at the artist's drawings, paintings, and sculptures in light of his Sephardic Jewish Heritage and multi-cultural influences on his art –– a well as his tumultuous lifestyle in Montmartre and then Montparnasse.

Led by an expert on modern and contemporary art, Jennie Hirsh, this interactive seminar will not only explore the highlights of Modigliani's oeuvre but also review recent exhibitions focused on the artist. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased desire to see Modigliani's paintings in various collections across the globe.

** Please note, this seminar is a revised and updated version of the previously titled Modigliani, Modernity, and Montparnasse with Dr. Jennie Hirsh

Jennie Hirsh (Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College) is a Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has held postdoctoral fellowships at Princeton and Columbia Universities, as well as pre-doctoral fellowships from the Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation, the U.S. Fulbright Commission, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, and the Wolfsonian FIU. Hirsh has authored essays on artists including Giorgio de Chirico, Giorgio Morandi, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Yinka Shonibare, and Regina Silveira, and is co-editor, with Isabelle Wallace, of Contemporary Art and Classical Myth (Ashgate 2011).

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
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J
J (Vancouver, CA)
Long influence, short life.

Jennie enthusiastically brought the works of Modigliani to us with her usual verve - great to connect it to the current show at the Barnes.

S
S.G. (Wilmette, US)
An Excellent Seminar

Jennie's seminar was terrific, as always, so well presented and organized and filled with wonderful visuals. I am familiar with Modigliani's work but knew very little about his personal life and what influenced him as an artist. Jennie's seminar made a big difference in how I will now view his work.

b
b.F. (Lawrence, US)
Time well spent

Jennie did a great presentation. I liked learning about Modigliani's influences and seeing them reflected in his work. He was a sad story. Too bad he died so young.

D
D. (Albuquerque, US)
Modigliani with Dr. Jennie Hirsh

Dr. Hirsh demonstrates a good understanding of the artist’s work and stylistic progression.

J
J. (Cheltenham, US)
Great detail and visuals

This is my third seminar with Dr. Jennie Hirsh and all have been unfailingly great. This one on Modigliani was especially interesting as Dr. Hirsh set the scenario for each portion of Modigliani's developmental stages and influences. Plus, the descriptions and images of his artwork were fascinating enlightening. Much more than you can ever get from just viewing the art. I would give this experience the highest rating.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
100%
(11)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
J
J (Vancouver, CA)
Long influence, short life.

Jennie enthusiastically brought the works of Modigliani to us with her usual verve - great to connect it to the current show at the Barnes.

S
S.G. (Wilmette, US)
An Excellent Seminar

Jennie's seminar was terrific, as always, so well presented and organized and filled with wonderful visuals. I am familiar with Modigliani's work but knew very little about his personal life and what influenced him as an artist. Jennie's seminar made a big difference in how I will now view his work.

b
b.F. (Lawrence, US)
Time well spent

Jennie did a great presentation. I liked learning about Modigliani's influences and seeing them reflected in his work. He was a sad story. Too bad he died so young.

D
D. (Albuquerque, US)
Modigliani with Dr. Jennie Hirsh

Dr. Hirsh demonstrates a good understanding of the artist’s work and stylistic progression.

J
J. (Cheltenham, US)
Great detail and visuals

This is my third seminar with Dr. Jennie Hirsh and all have been unfailingly great. This one on Modigliani was especially interesting as Dr. Hirsh set the scenario for each portion of Modigliani's developmental stages and influences. Plus, the descriptions and images of his artwork were fascinating enlightening. Much more than you can ever get from just viewing the art. I would give this experience the highest rating.