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An artwork is often linked to the historic events happening at the time of its creation. Join art historian Matthew Palczynski for this third online lecture in his latest series examining the art of specific decades. In this lecture, we will look at the 1960s and how the art of the period reflects influences like the counterculture movement and the Vietnam War. So much changed in the 1960s, in art and culture. Discover how Noam Chomsky, John Lennon and Yoko Ono all took a close investigation of language to new frontiers in their respective fields, from linguistics to rock and roll to conceptual art. Unpack the many links between the 106-month economic expansion in the 1960s in the United States, the rise of commodity culture, mass-market products and Pop Art. Learn why Marshall McLuhan’s ideas about the electronic age were both eerily prophetic for our own era and the catalyst for a host of sublime electronic-based art. Looking back on the decade, it’s now clear that McLuhan was right: we are indeed a “global village."

General Notes

This lecture is the third in a series of four. To attend this full series, please also enroll in the other three lectures. The first is: "Online Lecture: Eras in American Art & Culture — the 1920s" (#25109) Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT, the second is: "Online Lecture: Eras in American Art & Culture — the 1940s" (#25153) Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT, and the fourth is: "Online Lecture: Eras in American Art & Culture — the 1980s" (#25168) Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET/ 11 a.m. PT. The cost is $25 per lecture. Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.

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Matthew Palczynski

Matthew Palczynski is an art history lecturer, consultant, curator, and educator. With a Ph.D. in art history and a focus on vanguard art after around 1850, he leads programs for academic, corporate, and nonprofit organizations around the world. His talks include those for Renaissance Weekend, Stanford University, The Wharton School, Cunard, and United Airlines. Matt is an adjunct senior instructor at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and has taught at the Tyler School of Art since 2004.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Matthew Palczynski View biography

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Online Lecture: Eras in American Art & Culture — the 1960s

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