WEEK 1: Art, Context, and Material Conditions

This first session introduces participants to Cesar Gonzalez’s creative philosophy and films, such as ¿Qué Puede un Cuerpo? and Atenas. We will explore how economic and social conditions have been represented in art throughout history, from classical to modern times, and examine the creative role of art in under-resourced communities. Key artworks include Bruegel’s Peasant Wedding, Jacob Riis’s photography, and Käthe Kollwitz’s prints. We’ll also reflect on how lived experiences can shape artistic expression, with examples from my background as an artist raised in Cuba.