ThoughtGallery.org > ‘Exploring the Queer Artwork of the Museum of Modern Art’ Webinar

‘Exploring the Queer Artwork of the Museum of Modern Art’ Webinar

Why is Frida Kahlo wearing a man’s suit? What do two clocks on a wall have anything to do with sexuality? And why did artist Robert Rauschenberg stick a stuffed eagle into his painting? It’s time to virtually roam the halls of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and discover the queer interpretations behind some of its most famous artworks.

Join New York Adventure Club as we discuss, decipher, and debate six high-profile art pieces at MoMA and their queer implications in a first-of-its-kind experience.

Led by George Benson — former MoMA Educator and co-creator of the Museum’s first-ever queer tour —  our virtual exploration through three floors of MoMA and its queer artworks will include:

  • A brief overview of MoMA, which contains six floors of unparalleled galleries traveling in time across the 20th century — half of which contain art pieces that follow the arc of the LGBTQ liberation movement and its effect on the art world
  • A close look at Frida Kahlo and her controversial self-portrait from 1940
  • A discussion around artist Robert Rauschenberg and how he “queered” the artwork after Abstract Expressionism
  • Catherine Opie and her defiant and empowering photography
  • A hidden gem in MoMA’s collection recently displayed for the first time

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with George — any and all questions about these artworks are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About George

George Benson worked for MoMA’s Education Department during the museum’s recent expansion. During this time he co-wrote the museum’s first ever queer tour and upon the museum’s reopening George hosted MoMA’s Queer Perspectives tour monthly for members of the public. In the course of his research, George discovered over 230 queer artists in MoMA’s collection and has worked with the museum to advocate a greater representation of queer artists on display. While working for The British Museum, George worked in an advisory capacity on the museum’s first ever exhibition dedicated to the queer community, Desire, Love, Identity, 10,000 years of LGBTQ history. In 2017 George was instrumental in facilitating the flying of the rainbow flag atop the British Museum, the first time the museum—in its 267 year history—had flown any flag other than the Union Jack.

Testimonials

“Far from a static slideshow, George mixed together video, audio, clever captions and a variety of photographs from the MoMA galleries to provide context and support for his insightful commentary on several artworks in the museum’s collection. This made for a dynamic presentation that deeply engaged us as a couch-bound audience. I was among those who felt like I was actually in the Museum of Modern Art for an hour.” — J. Biersdofer, Co-chair of The New York Times LGBTQ+ Network

“It was a polished and dynamic virtual journey through MoMA’s galleries and collections, with a momentum that made me forget I was sitting in front of my computer screen…But it was not only a very entertaining lecture: George came ready with flexible questions and made sure to yield the mic, giving our group time to exchange thoughts, experience, knowledge.” — C. McCarthy, Archivist, The LGBT Center NYC

“George Benson expertly took us on a journey through MoMA’s galleries with insights into artists both well and lesser known and a few jokes along the way. Informed in content, light in tone, I would highly recommend this joy of a tour.”— B. Shepherd, Head of Interpretation, The Victoria and Albert Museum

“What I really liked was how the guide literally guided us around each of the images in focus, rather than say mentioning it briefly and then going into the background. It felt super fun too and there was just lots of nice little touches. Felt inspired to learn more about MOMA.”— D. Parlour, London Blue Badge Tourist Guide











When: Fri., Dec. 11, 2020 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Why is Frida Kahlo wearing a man’s suit? What do two clocks on a wall have anything to do with sexuality? And why did artist Robert Rauschenberg stick a stuffed eagle into his painting? It’s time to virtually roam the halls of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and discover the queer interpretations behind some of its most famous artworks.

Join New York Adventure Club as we discuss, decipher, and debate six high-profile art pieces at MoMA and their queer implications in a first-of-its-kind experience.

Led by George Benson — former MoMA Educator and co-creator of the Museum’s first-ever queer tour —  our virtual exploration through three floors of MoMA and its queer artworks will include:

  • A brief overview of MoMA, which contains six floors of unparalleled galleries traveling in time across the 20th century — half of which contain art pieces that follow the arc of the LGBTQ liberation movement and its effect on the art world
  • A close look at Frida Kahlo and her controversial self-portrait from 1940
  • A discussion around artist Robert Rauschenberg and how he “queered” the artwork after Abstract Expressionism
  • Catherine Opie and her defiant and empowering photography
  • A hidden gem in MoMA’s collection recently displayed for the first time

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with George — any and all questions about these artworks are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About George

George Benson worked for MoMA’s Education Department during the museum’s recent expansion. During this time he co-wrote the museum’s first ever queer tour and upon the museum’s reopening George hosted MoMA’s Queer Perspectives tour monthly for members of the public. In the course of his research, George discovered over 230 queer artists in MoMA’s collection and has worked with the museum to advocate a greater representation of queer artists on display. While working for The British Museum, George worked in an advisory capacity on the museum’s first ever exhibition dedicated to the queer community, Desire, Love, Identity, 10,000 years of LGBTQ history. In 2017 George was instrumental in facilitating the flying of the rainbow flag atop the British Museum, the first time the museum—in its 267 year history—had flown any flag other than the Union Jack.

Testimonials

“Far from a static slideshow, George mixed together video, audio, clever captions and a variety of photographs from the MoMA galleries to provide context and support for his insightful commentary on several artworks in the museum’s collection. This made for a dynamic presentation that deeply engaged us as a couch-bound audience. I was among those who felt like I was actually in the Museum of Modern Art for an hour.” — J. Biersdofer, Co-chair of The New York Times LGBTQ+ Network

“It was a polished and dynamic virtual journey through MoMA’s galleries and collections, with a momentum that made me forget I was sitting in front of my computer screen…But it was not only a very entertaining lecture: George came ready with flexible questions and made sure to yield the mic, giving our group time to exchange thoughts, experience, knowledge.” — C. McCarthy, Archivist, The LGBT Center NYC

“George Benson expertly took us on a journey through MoMA’s galleries with insights into artists both well and lesser known and a few jokes along the way. Informed in content, light in tone, I would highly recommend this joy of a tour.”— B. Shepherd, Head of Interpretation, The Victoria and Albert Museum

“What I really liked was how the guide literally guided us around each of the images in focus, rather than say mentioning it briefly and then going into the background. It felt super fun too and there was just lots of nice little touches. Felt inspired to learn more about MOMA.”— D. Parlour, London Blue Badge Tourist Guide

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