Art History Festival: In Conversation with Charmaine Watkiss

About this course

This conversation examines how Charmaine Watkiss combines archives, ancestry and self-portraiture to create her “memory stories”. It considers the Caribbean healing traditions and plant histories informing her “Plant Warrior” portraits and related sculptural work, alongside the influence of colonial and Enlightenment-era art history. The session also discusses her progression from studying at City Lit to exhibiting and being collected by major institutions. Teaching takes the form of a discussion followed by an opportunity for audience questions.

What you'll learn

• Describe how archives, ancestry and the artist’s own likeness contribute to Charmaine Watkiss’s “memory stories”.
• Identify the Caribbean healing traditions and plant histories informing the “Plant Warrior” series and Sloane Lab work.
• Outline the artist’s progression from City Lit study to exhibition and inclusion in major institutional collections.

Is this course right for you?

The event is open to learners at all levels and does not specify particular skills or previous study. Participation involves listening to a discussion and Q&A, with an opportunity to put questions to the artist.

• Discussion-led event rather than a practical workshop.
• Includes a question-and-answer session with the artist.

Before you go

• Learners may wish to bring pen and paper for notes.