VALENCIA CITY HISTORY & GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE - Wed, Dec 1, 2021

THIS LECTURE will explore the history of Valencia city from the time of the Romans and the Muslims through its Visigoth and Catholic Gothic eras.

Valencia city excelled in its medieval gothic era because of its wealth, its guilds, traders, nobles and royalty.  King Alfonso the Magnanimous began an expansive foreign policy for the Mediterranean. The middle class of Barcelona fled to the Kingdom of Valencia, where the work would be plentiful. Barcelona went into a heavy decline and dropped to 14,000 inhabitants, while the city of Valencia grew to reach 75,000 in the middle of the century. The Valencian capital became the economic, political, and social centre of the Crown of Aragon and hence the intellectual, literary, and artistic circles flourished, spreading their benefits and influence to the whole of the Kingdom.

The marvellous manifestation of man and creation came to life in the facades and interiors of churches, convents, monasteries, palaces plus secular buildings. 

The culmination of history and treasures in Valencia's historic centre, which is one of the largest in Spain, makes it an important place to know for students and lovers of Spanish culture. 

DETAILS

WHEN: Wednesday, December 1st  - 17:00 H

WHERE: Darocas Studio - Benitachell

FEE: 10 euros

COVID HEALTH RULES APPLY

REGISTER HERE

VALENCIAN GOTHIC COLLECTION - tba

Valencia's Golden Age & The Museum's International Gothic Collection

FRIDA KAHLO - FULL

This lecture and slideshow will not only explore the dynamics of the early 20th century European and Mexican art, but it will also enhance the life of Frida Kahlo and her artworks as gifts of expressive, visionary self-interpretations.  

Frida Kahlo made her own face famous by painting a seemingly endless series of self-portraits that span over her 30-year career.  All of her artworks demonstrated a fierce sense of pride in her heritage that flew in the face of traditional European art school movements. She also had a very real, if not obsessive, passion for her marriage and husband who did not follow the bourgeois and Catholic traditions of monogamous relationships.

REMEDIOS VARO - tba

In this class, we study the Catalan artist Remedios Varo who was one of the few women to graduate from Madrid's famous Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando (1930) where she studied with another young Catalan by the name of Salvador Dali. 

She blended Renaissance techniques with modern Surrealism, Symbolism and Mystical styles to develop personal artworks that were incredibly unique and magical. 

REVIEWS 

"The lecture on Remedios Varo was extremely informative and very well presented in a lively, easy to understand way. Karla is a great communicator who inspires her audience. Karla's teaching style is casual, lively and packed with information and I would definitely recommend her to others." * Nicola Clark, Javea 

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"Prior to this lecture, Remedios Varo was an unknown to me but once again Karla worked her magic and brought this amazing woman to life, sharing her incredible experiences, surrealist works and anarchist views, which were very forward-thinking for a woman of her time." * Sue Martin, Pedreguer 

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"Karla, thank you so much for the presentation again. I found it revealing, most interesting. Not only did I get an idea about Remedios Varo's life and works, but also about how visionary and enlightened she was. Your talks open my eyes more and more each time I hear details about an artist's life. I can understand, and appreciate, her/his work a lot more." So, many thanks - you do this job wonderfully!! * Besos, Angelika xx 

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"I have to confess I had never heard of Remedios Varo before I saw some publicity for Karla's lecture but having heard Karla teach before I knew it would be worth going along. I am so glad I did. I learnt so much, not just about this fantastic artist but surrealism in general and world events that led to its creation and influence. As ever thanks Karla for a great lecture!" * Christine Wood 

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"Karla's lectures are always amazing and today's Artist subject ... the wonderful Remedios Varo. Been thinking about it all day and looking up the web for symbolism...Wow....the lectures are so informative and explicit...Always looking forward to the next!!!! I am always impressed by Karla's enthusiasm and vast knowledge ... I recommend Karla Darocas's teaching and events always!!" * Diana Santiago 

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