Lecture: The Shock of the New or Shock for Shock's Sake? Art and Scandal in the Modern Period

In the final NADFAS at night of 2015, Monica Bohm-Duchen looks at art and scandal in the modern period.

Ever since the emergence of the avant-garde in the second half of the nineteenth century, art and controversy – not to say, scandal - have often gone hand in hand. This wide-ranging and thought-provoking lecture will examine the complex reasons for this phenomenon, and in so doing also grapple with the important issues of freedom of expression, blasphemy, censorship and taboo.

As will become evident, sex, religion, politics, morality and money – either by themselves, or in combination - lie at the heart of most of these controversies – as does the power of modern art to challenge and subvert the social and aesthetic status quo.

This is the final NADFAS at Night event in 2015 at our secret location in the heart of Covent Garden. This private club has a distinct 50’s retro feel and our brilliant lectures take place in the small, intimate theatre. The ticket price includes a complimentary drink of wine or a soft drink.