EXPLORING ART

In this episode, we explore the artwork of Bahman Mohassess and discuss why his distorted figures continue to challenge viewers. We talk about how his art questions traditional ideas of beauty and uses emotion to tell powerful stories. We also examine how history, culture, and politics shaped his work. Join us as we discover how art can be meaningful even when it isn't beautiful.

In this episode, we explore Jacques-Louis David's The Death of Marat and the historical events behind one of the most famous paintings of the French Revolution. We discuss how David used art to shape the way people remembered Marat and whether the painting is a tribute, propaganda, or both. We also examine the symbolism, artistic choices, and ethical questions that make this work so significan...

In this episode, we explore the provocative art of Iranian modernist Bahman Mohassess and his unconventional approach to the human figure. Through his distorted and fragmented forms, we examine how art can challenge traditional ideas of beauty, identity, and physical perfection. Our discussion considers whether what appears to be "ugly" can communicate deeper truths about alienation, vul...

Bilingual Edition In this episode, we examine how one groundbreaking painting challenged traditional ideas of beauty and transformed the direction of modern art. We explore the historical context behind Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon and discuss the artistic influences that made it a revolutionary work. Our conversation also considers how this painting continues to shape discuss...

In this episode we talk about the story behind Jacques-Louis Davids The Death Of The Marat. Together we view how politics and storytelling come together on a single campus. Join us as we discover why this painting is still being talked about 200 years later.

In this episode, our group explores how art and expressionism go hand and hand with Edvard Munch "The Scream," by connecting the artists personal struggle with the border cultural anxiety spreading across Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Can a horrifying painting still be beautiful? That’s the question in our episode about the horrific Black Paintings by Francisco Goya. We will discuss in this podcast about what makes Saturn Devouring His Son such a masterpiece and learn about the techniques the painter used. We’ll also discuss the relationship between art and horror and analyze if the terror that Goya depicted in his work could h...

In this episode we go through the case study of one of Picasso's most important masterpieces "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon"1907. Within this episode of the podcast we dive into a painting Picasso decided to hide from the world for 9 long years until its final unraveling to the world in Paris 9 years after its finish. This painting at first sight may not seem like it holds much meani...

Pablo Picasso is known as one of the greatest artists of all time, and he made many works of art that are still talked about today. In this episode we will explore his work that is considered to be the most controversial of all time. ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ is a painting that is made up of heavily distorted human forms, which are unlike any other traditional views of beauty that have been port...

In this episode our group explores the painting by Fransico Goya ‘Saturn Devouring his Son’ which represents fear, violence, and human emotion. We discuss the transition from traditional art to art that focuses on emotion rather than techniques. We think this marks the point where art starts to become subjective, which is what makes this art piece and the black painting series so special, because...

In this episode, we go in depth on how Bahman Mohassess altered modern Iranian art by challenging conventional ideas of beauty through distorted and powerful works of art. We explore the rise of Iranian modernism and avant-garde art, along with the cultural influences that molded his work before and after the Iranian Revolution. Our discussion also connects Mohassess's art to the conecpt of ae...

In this episode, we explore the idea of the Picturesque through the case study of Lake George and the writings of Nathaniel Willis. Our discussion examines whether beauty exists within nature itself or is created through the imagination and interpretation of the viewer. We also explore the influence of landscape artists, the meaning of the terms pittoresque and pittoresco, and the role of culture...

When you first think about motherhood, I bet an image of a mother tenderly holding her newborn pops up in your head, doesn't it? It’s that sweetness, that selflessness, that care that we as a society always connected to motherhood… But with every light there’s always a shadow of darkness no matter how bright it may seem. Join us today in our deep dive into that darkness in motherhood with Kath...

Gladys is in her second year of college and her counselor told her to try an interesting form of therapy to combat what feels like a numbing college life: Art therapy. In this episode, we dive into what art therapy is and how it can be a powerful tool for self expression and quiet healing. Using research, we discuss the science behind art therapy and how it can be effective for our mental well-bei...

In this episode, we explore and dive into our definition and findings on the Iranian Artist Bahman Mohassess. We dive into his background, what was going on at the time to him, how it influenced his work, and if it should truly be considered "grotesque" or truly beautiful. Our group discusses this in detail, and find out what specific details in his art could point to. Tune into this epi...

A discussion on the painting "The Death of Marat" by Jacques-louis David, is it sincere grief or is it propaganda.

So, the big question, what really defines beauty? Can it be already something that exists within the landscape? Or something seen from the human eye? In this episode we compare the meanings of the French pittoresque and the Italian pittoresco, Lake George and Nathaniel Willis's description of the meaning of picturesque, and how landscape artists influenced the way humans perceive art. During t...

In this episode of the Exploring Art podcast we delve deep into the art work of Bahman Mohassess an Iranian painter. In the mists of a war and facing the coldness of human nature we discover why his artwork was so ugly. The beauty comes from the emotions Bahman Mohassess excellently translates to the viewer. Prepare to be uncomfortable and learn how you deal with your own emotions. You will find a...

The Raft of the Medusa (1818-1819) by Theodore Gericault is a romantic painting that depicts the aftermath of a shipwreck that happened around that time. The painting highlights a group of survivors stranded on the raft who are struggling between hope and despair. In this episode, we will be exploring all that is within this painting. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the beauty. By exploring diffe...

In this episode, we investigate whether this masterpiece mocks the brutal deaths of many innocent men or if the painting’s beauty justifies the romanticism of death. Our group will discuss the story, explain the artist’s choices, and debate the ethicality based on research we did ourselves. We hope that we can spark your interest in the beauty found in the terror of this story. Come join us for a...

We dissect Picasso’s debut painting and how it changed art forever by inspiring a new movement and style.

In this episode, we discussed the history of the painting “The Death of Marat”, from the man who the painting depicts, his murderer, the painter, and the historical time period and the political landscapes of the time. We discussed the subtle style of David and why certain elements go on to further enhance the painting. We asked questions like whether Marat was a hero or was he simply a pawn to fu...

In this episode, we explore the true meaning of art and it’s beauty to answer one question, how can art resonate to a psychotheraputic level? Our group discusses about the perception of art, along with the many way that individuals such ourselves can resonate with medium that contain or are perceived as art. Is there an answer to art’s beauty as a way of psychotherapy? Join us to find of exact the...

In this episode, we touch upon the classic Pablo Picasso piece "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon". Join us on a discussion surrounding the nature of subjective beauty, and contrast between liberation and objectification. View into the cultural background and history behind this monumental piece, and realize how it connects to broader topics, such as cultural cultural appropriation. Opening...

In this episode, a striking debate is set ablaze regarding the illustration of purity exhibited in "The Death of Marat," created by the painter David: Was Marat's serene portrayal of death a means of propaganda, or truly a tribute to the friendship David and Marat shared? His fate was resolved during the French Revolution, being removed by those who opposed the rise of the new govern...