Evening events: The cutting edge of classical art

The Fitzwilliam’s latest exhibition Following Hercules: The story of Classical Art shows how artefacts made in the Mediterranean millennia ago came to define western art. Now two new evening events will explore the influence of ‘classical’ style on artists and collectors.

Hercules inhabits each of the forty objects on display in Following Hercules, which range from exquisite miniatures and Renaissance prints, drawings and paintings, to Wedgwood cameos and a giant polystyrene statue. The result is an arresting visual experience of differing scales, styles, eras and materials, which gives ongoing meaning to the ‘classical’.

The two complementary evening events, both hosted by the exhibition’s curator Carrie Vout, explore the shows themes in further depth looking at how the classical inspires contemporary artists and how it influenced collectors and their interiors in the past.

Cambridge-born artist Matthew Darbyshire’s colossal version of the Farnese Hercules made from sheets of polystyrene is the central artwork in the Following Hercules exhibition. On Wednesday 7 of October he will be joined by fellow contemporary artists Edward Allington and Jess Flood-Paddock to talk about the ongoing relevance of classical art today in The cutting edge of classical art.

Matthew commented on his work: "One of my reservations about reinterpreting classical traditions is that while many artists and writers have of course succeeded, so many have also failed. You only have to look at the cringeworthy output of some contemporary artists to realise that it’s best avoided. In fact it’s that misuse that I was trying to refer to with Hercules."

"I first came across the Farnese Hercules in the Royal Academy Schools corridor, where for three years I’d take fag breaks at his feet and admire those thundering thighs! The decision to use polystyrene came through necessity. I wanted to use the same materials as industrial 3D prototyping technologies (in car factories and the like). This was quickly reinforced by the nice element of subversion in a sacred marble form being translated in to the most debased and abundant material known to man. Although it’s grim stuff, it has that pristine whiteness and a reflective shimmer to rival marble’s."

The second talk will take place on Wednesday 18 November with Caroline Vout, Reader in Classics, University of Cambridge, and Tim Knox, Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum. They will be in discussion about the importance of antiquities and classical style in interiors in Collecting the antique.

Both events are £6. To book call 01223 332904 or email: education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

Following Hercules: The story of classical art runs from 25 September to 6 December 2015. Admission to the exhibition is free.

30 October 2015