Modern Art Course at OPEN Ealing and Idea #121 - Fascism

Last night I went along to the first part of  OPEN Ealing course 'History of Modern Art' and very good I thought it was too.
Although I spend a reasonable amount of time visiting exhibitions and viewing major works what I feel I lack is the understanding and contextualisation that such a course can offer and this is virtually on my doorstep in West Ealing.

Arts Course Venue

The lecturer/leader is a really knowledgeable practitioner in Art who is approachable and  enthusiastic.

First session included:

various works were introduced including some by Eugene Delacroix,  The Gleaners(1857) by Jean-François Millet and the stunning

John Everett Millais -Ophelia (1852).
We had a look to at Impressionists including the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir ( "A Dance At The Moulin de la Galette" was a fantastic example of the impressionist us of  light).

To be able to understand some of the history as well as the cultural and technological change of the times helps one appreciate and understand the developments - looking forward to the next revelations to come.

If you're interested in joining the course or want to know more about OPEN Ealing take a look here.

 

Crofton Big Idea number 121 is Fascism

 

The term Fascism is derived from the term for a bundle of sticks fashioned into an axe handle that was carried around by magistrates in ancient Rome. 

Fascism typically includes:

• Powerful and Continuing Expressions of Nationalism
• Disdain for the Importance of Human Rights
• Identification of Enemies/Scapegoats as a Unifying Cause
• The Supremacy of the Military/Avid Militarism
• Rampant Sexism
• A Controlled Mass Media
• Obsession with National Security
• Religion and Ruling Elite Tied Together
• Power of Corporations Protected
• Power of Labour Suppressed or Eliminated
• Disdain and Suppression of Intellectuals and the Arts
• Obsession with Crime and Punishment
• Rampant Cronyism and Corruption
• Fraudulent Elections

(Not good is it?)

Fascism can be seen as a reaction to the rise of communism in the early part of the 20th century and the mass deaths of the Great War (1914-18).
 

Fascism is linked with extreme Nationalism, dislike of foreigners/immigrants and a cult of leadership, European examples of the  1920s ad 1930s  include Spain and Franco, Italy and Il Duce (Mussolini)  and of course Germany and Adolf Hitler.