In this episode, we discuss one of Pablo Picasso's most controversial pieces: Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. We go over the painting's history and the meaning we each understood from it. We also question whether beauty can be found in such a "vulgar" piece like this one. Join us as we explore an artwork that has changed art into what we know today!

For this week's episode, we will be dissecting the beauty, hope, and horror found within The Raft of the Medusa. We will discuss the fate of the ill-fated Meduse and the artist of this piece, Theodore Gericault, and his disturbing artistic decisions. Why did he create such a beautiful artwork out of human suffering? Why do so many find this painting beautiful when it depicts such catastrophic imagery of death and horror? We'll be tackling these questions and more in this episode on the aesthetics of one the most transgressive works of the Romanticism Era.

In this episode, we go into a deep dive on Jacques‑Louis David’s The Death of Marat. Our group discusses how Jean‑Paul Marat’s ideals and Charlotte Corday’s defiance turned into one of the French Revolution’s most dramatic moments. It explains how David turned an assassination into an image of a vulnerability. Join us for a conversation of exploring beauty, propaganda, and ethics in art!

Nathaniel​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Parker Willis’s The Picturesque: Lake George is a 19th-century American travelogue that blends the elements of nature, the artist's reflection, and a subtle romantic drama to lure the audience into one of the most talked-about landscapes of the century. Willis sees the Lake George not only as a lovely spot but as the "picturesque" living example - a measure between the still somewhat wild nature and a nature-like art piece. His writing is all about how the light plays on the water, the wild rocky shore, and the peaceful little valleys, and it's all showing how the whole thing looks like a very lucky and yet very carefully planned event at the same time. We are looking at how Willis made the Lake George a sight for the eyes through his words and why his view changed the way people in America started to see the importance of nature as a source of delight in this ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌episode.

In this episode, we throw our hats into the ring on what the true essence of Picturesque is. Together with Perla and myself, Dantae, we will explore this vast concept and try to find an answer on what the definition of this broad concept truly is. We'll aslo give our own stances on the topic and see what new perspectives we can bring to the conversation. Join today to find unique perspectives on this never-ending debate, you might learn something new!

In this episode, we dive into the emotional power and deeper purpose of black and white film, focusing on the work of Peter Ustinov and Ivor Montagu. Our group discusses the differences between black and white films, and colorful films. Using Billy Budd as a central example, we discuss how the different imagery can affect the feeling of moral tension and how illusion can sometimes feel real. We offer different perspectives and insights as well as share personal experiences that relate to the mysteries of these films and the illusions they project in today's society.

This episode explores the political chaos of the French Revolution and how
it shaped the assassination of Jean-Pual Marat. We break down Marat’s role
in radical politics, Charlotte Corday’s motives, and the shocking way she
carried out the murder. We also analyze Jacques-Louis David’s iconic
painting and how it turned Marat into a marty-like symbol, The team and I
will discuss how art can manipulate politics, emotions and public memory

This episode explores the hidden politics behind The Death of Marat. We examine how Jacques-Louis David turned a violent murder into a beautiful symbol of revolutionary sacrifice — and what that means for truth, propaganda, and the power of art.

Andrew, Kenzo, and Lay dive into the depths of the film Billy Budd and its powerful tension between illusion and reality. We explore how the film’s co-writers debated whether it should be shot in black-and-white or color—and what that choice reveals about storytelling, perception, and truth. Together, we break down the psychological differences between black-and-white and color films, examining how each shapes emotion, expectation, and the illusions we experience on screen. Through real-world examples and everyday perceptual cues, we highlight how visual style alters the way we understand a story. Join us for a conversation filled with insight, creativity, and a deep appreciation of how art shapes the way we see the world.

In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of of beauty and horror in art through Fransisco Goya's, "Saturn Devouring His Son", and other works. We explore the historical impact and significance of art, debate how social conditions can effect artistic output, and the emotional impact of art on society. Furthermore, we discuss Fransisco Goya's mental and social state aswell as his mental fortitude as he aged, and what it meant for his art. Join us to learn about the intricicies of arts emotional impact and the history of Fransico Goya's art.