Spark: Painting and Provocation

Sabine Rewald describes Balthus's 1938 painting Thérèse Dreaming as "the epitome of dormant adolescent sexuality." Rewald is joined by pianist Simone Dinnerstein, who performs Sonata in A Major, K. 331, by Balthus's favorite composer, Mozart. Psychologist and author Deborah Tolman talks about her book Dilemmas of Desire, in which teenage girls speak candidly about their sexual curiosity and confusion. And Dar Williams contributes songs that beautifully capture the dreams and desires of girls. Intimate, revealing, disturbing, and inspiring, the stories told this evening explore what Thérèse may have been dreaming about. Spark is hosted by Julie Burstein.

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Mention code ThoughtGallery12 and save $5 on all individual tickets, regularly $30. Tickets to this event include museum admission.

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Sabine Rewald, Jaques and Natasha Gelman Curator of Modern Art, MMA

Simone Dinnerstein, pianist

Deborah Tolman, psychologist and author

Dar Williams, singer/songwriter

Julie Burstein, author and Peabody Award-winning creator of public radio's Studio 360

This program is in conjunction with the exhibition Balthus: Cats and Girls—Paintings and Provocations, on view from Sept. 25, 2013 to Jan. 12, 2014.