Let's Talk About Art

What is the philosophy of art? How is it relevant to artists? What can philosophers of art gain from understanding art practice? With the help of some very special guests October's Blue Monkey will explore these questions. Drawing on interviews with the artists in Towner's A Green and Pleasant Land exhibition, and welcoming the contributions of Blue Monkey members, a panel of experts will discuss intention, influence, craft and what, if anything, makes art a unique channel for communication. Joining us for this exciting event will be Michael Newell, Eleen M Deprez and Mark Wright.

Michael Newall is currently head of History of Art at the University of Kent and convenor of the MA in History & Philosophy of Art. Michael studied painting and art theory at the University of South Australia, before going on to study philosophy at the University of Adelaide. In 2004 he completed a PhD in aesthetics at Flinders University, South Australia. Before coming to the University of Kent he also taught at the University of South Australia, wrote numerous articles and reviews for Australian contemporary arts magazines, and worked as a curator and editor at the Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia. His expertise spans art history and theory, and philosophy of art and aesthetics.

Eleen M Deprez is an associate lecturer in History and Philosophy of Art at the University of Kent. She is in the final stages of her PhD project, "Historical Typology and Philosophical Analysis of Curating", in which she examines the nature and origins of curated exhibitions. From Autumn 2018 she will be co-editor of Debates in Aesthetics, a peer-reviewed open access journal published by the British Society of Aesthetics. Eleen has an MA in Philosophy from the Free University in Brussels (Belgium) and an MA in Fine Arts from the School of Arts in Ghent (Belgium).

Mark Wright is a practicing painter and founding member of Cubitt studios and gallery in London. He has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally, including at the Spencer Brownstone Gallery, NYC, Rhodes and Mann Gallery, London and Towner. Alongside his practice, Mark also teaches at the University of Brighton, Glasgow School of Art and Sotheby's.

This event has been developed and planned for Blue Monkey Network by Tom Laver. Tom was Assistant Curator at Towner during 2016-17 and now works at The National Gallery.

6-8pm Artists - all welcome
FREE to Blue Monkey Network members; £5 non-members

Refreshments will be available (contributions welcome) or please feel free to bring a bottle.

For more information visit http://www.townereastbourne.org.uk/event/lets-talk-art-panel-special-guests-university-kent-university-brighton-schools-art/