Art History Talk with Rebecca Albiani - Alice Neel

Alice Neel (1900-1984) painted portraits that are as radical in their own way as the drips of Jackson Pollock. Living and working in Spanish Harlem, she made bold and memorable renditions of the vivid characters she encountered in her search to capture what she called “the dignity and eternal importance of the human being.”
Introductions
In past years Rebecca’s talks have deepened our understanding of famous artists such as Picasso and Rembrandt. This year she is going to introduce us to some fascinating artists you have may never have heard of. From a Ukrainian folk artist to a Marxist photographer to a committed portraitist out of step with the art world’s embrace of abstraction, these artists made work that continues to resonate today. We’ll also look at two painters who are acute observers of their socioeconomic landscapes, one in early 17th century Netherlands and one in today’s Chicago. Join us to enrich your knowledge of the human stories behind these entrancing artworks.