Visiting us with kids? This summer there are creative activities for all ages to explore at the gallery. Check out the activities below and visit our What’s On page to stay up to date with all that MAO has to offer this summer. Thursday afternoon drop-in sessions Every Thursday afternoon from 28 July to 1… Continue reading Summer holiday family activities at Modern Art Oxford
Category: Inspiration
Women of Black Mountain College | Hazel Larsen Archer
“At Black Mountain, there was individual revolution.” – Hazel Larsen Archer Photographer and educator Larsen (1921-2001) went to Black Mountain College in 1944, and became its first full-time photography teacher in 1949, teaching significant students including Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly and Stan VanDerBeek. Contracting polio aged 10, she spent 3 years in hospital before going… Continue reading Women of Black Mountain College | Hazel Larsen Archer
City as Studio: At Home | free film-making workshops to do at home
Looking to get creative over the summer holidays? You can now take part in City as Studio and learn DIY film-making at home. The brand new City as Studio online platform is open for the holidays. Sign up for free to access two self-led workshops, created with artist Kate Mahony, which guide you through the… Continue reading City as Studio: At Home | free film-making workshops to do at home
Women of Black Mountain College | Alma Stone Williams
“I have sought to be a constant learner. The arts contain more than enough to fill a lifetime of open eyes and open ears.” – Alma Stone Williams Alma Stone Williams (1921-2013) was a musician, educator, and pioneer in racial integration. In 1944, she was the first Black student at Black Mountain College, and the… Continue reading Women of Black Mountain College | Alma Stone Williams
Women of Black Mountain College | Introduction to the college
“At Black Mountain College, art was people.” – Alma Stone Williams Black Mountain College was an experimental liberal arts college in North Carolina from 1933-1957. Ruth Asawa was a student there from 1946-49, taught by international artists and progressive tutors who she said: “profoundly influenced my outlook on the value of life and the true… Continue reading Women of Black Mountain College | Introduction to the college
LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: The Arc is Long but it Bends Towards Justice
The theme of this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month, ‘The Arc is Long’ draws from a quotation by Martin Luther King JR.: “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Looking at the continuing journey towards full equality, which has suffered many setbacks while still moving forwards,… Continue reading LGBTQ+ History Month 2022: The Arc is Long but it Bends Towards Justice
Black History Month: Student voices
We know that exploring, sharing and celebrating the impact of Black heritage and culture is vital all year round. But Black History Month is also a valuable opportunity for individuals, communities, organisations and leaders to come together to keep educating, questioning and change-making. This year, we’ve especially enjoyed hearing the voices of students who have… Continue reading Black History Month: Student voices
I Watched Her Dream… Aloud & I am trying my best: Two short films by young artist Lauren
Lauren joined our online film-making residency for ages 16-19 in April 2021. In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, the group met only online and explored DIY film-making from the confines of their own surroundings. Discover what Lauren learnt about different approaches to film-making during the residency. My name is Lauren, I am 19 years old… Continue reading I Watched Her Dream… Aloud & I am trying my best: Two short films by young artist Lauren
There Is No Planet B: A stop-motion animation by young artist Mia
Young artist Mia created this stop motion animation film during our City as Studio online film-making residency in February 2021. Over the course of the residency, the group of young people aged between 16 and 19 explored DIY film and music-making techniques to create work about the issues they care about. Mia shares her experience… Continue reading There Is No Planet B: A stop-motion animation by young artist Mia
Trans Happiness is Real: Oxford’s graffiti art
In February 2019, brightly coloured graffiti art began appearing across Oxford’s streets. Messages emblazoned across lamp posts and street corners included ‘Trans happiness is real’ and ‘There is no binary explanation for us.’ This eye-catching street art is by a group of anonymous young activists, who join us for a special Instagram takeover between 21-24… Continue reading Trans Happiness is Real: Oxford’s graffiti art