Learning Curve Lecture series: Louise Bourgeois

A five-part lecture series that can be enjoyed as a one-off or by subscribing to the whole series.

Louise Bourgeois is one of the most influential artists of the past century. Born in Paris in 1911 and living and working in New York until her death in 2010, she is renowned for her fearless exploration of human relationships, haunting sculptures and tender textiles.

Join expert academics, researchers and curators in an exploration of Bourgeois relentlessly inventive seven-decade career.

Held in conjunction with Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day? exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Each lecture will be held on Friday and repeated on Saturday in the Domain Theatre. Each session includes a 15-minute intermission, during which tea and coffee will be provided.

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Lecture 1: Needle Woman: Textiles as material and metaphor  

Friday, 3 November 2023, and Saturday, 4 November 2023  

10:30am - 12:30pm

Emily Sullivan, an expert in contemporary art, will guide you through Louise Bourgeois's connection to textiles and their influence on her diverse artistic mediums.  

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Lecture 2: Hiding in plain sight: Louise Bourgeois and the lost river of Paris  

Friday, 10 November 2023, and Saturday, 11 November 2023  

10:30am - 12:30pm

Léa Vuong will uncover Bourgeois' relationship with the lost Bièvre river of Paris. Preserved through her art and personal memories, she provides a unique perspective on modern and contemporary Paris.  

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Lecture 3: To Unravel a torment, you must begin somewhere  

Friday, 24 November 2023, and Saturday, 25 November 2023  

10:30am - 12:30pm

Jason Smith unravels the forces that shaped Louise Bourgeois and her lasting artistic legacy. Journey through the intense emotions and self-realization that distinguished her among peers and provided inspiration for artists.   

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Lecture 4: Big Maman: Louise Bourgeois and feminism  

Friday, 1 December 2023, and Saturday, 2 December 2023  

10:30am - 12:30pm  

Delve into Louise Bourgeois's role in feminist art as we uncover her complex web of works, writings, and influences. Julie Ewington will explore Bourgeois's distinctive contributions to feminism and her impact in Australia and beyond.  

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Lecture 5: Hold my bones together: Love and war in the art of Louise Bourgeois  

Friday, 8 December 2023, and Saturday, 9 December 2023  

10:30am - 12:30pm

Justin Paton uncovers the themes of love and war in Louise Bourgeois's art. Explore the profound accounts of 'wars within' and the challenges of psychic survival in her unsettling century.   

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• Tickets: $35 Gallery member | $45 non-member | $20 student  

• Series Subscription: $165 Gallery member | $210 non-member