20 May 2014

Figural Sections/The Dead pan

An exploration of “Non-Expressionism” and emotional response in art and architecture.

The talk will discuss the roles of deadpan or objective modes expression and more emotive forms of expression in art and architecture, arguing that more nuanced emotional responses can be elicited from the former. Taking it’s  cue from the philosopher, Michel Foucualt’s comparison of poetic modes of seeing and the modern “medical” gaze, and drawing on the speaker’s own work as well as wider examples, the talk will investigate the relationship between how we see and the prevailing ideologies of our culture, exploring the consequences of this for art and architecture.

Professor Sean Griffiths

Sean Griffiths was a founding member of the Art/Architecture practice, FAT which in its final act will curate the British Pavilion at this year’s Venice Bienalle. He has recently set up a new practice called Modern Architect.

FAT was widely renowned for its playful and provocative approach to contemporary architecture, which drew praise and opprobrium in equal measure. Drawing on Dada, Surrealism and Pop Art, FAT sought to challenge the underlying myths which underpin many approaches to contemporary architecture, often using wit and overt humour to subvert what it regarded as a deeply conservative and self satisfied architectural culture. Sean hopes he will  continue to annoy the architectural profession in his new guise.

Sean is also a prolific writer about architecture and has written extensively for magazines such as Building Design and national newspapers such as The Guardian. He has also written and presented films about architecture for BBC2, BBC4 and BBC 1’s, The One Show.

He is heavily involved in architectural education and is currently Professor of Architecture at the University of Westminster and Eero Saarinen Visiting Professor of Architectural Design at Yale University.