A meeting of the minds; paying it forward in the Philippines; get cozy with these online talks

Just my imagination

Contemporary American artist Naudline Pierre creates colorful paintings that feature floating, celestial figures. Her subjects seem both mythological and personal. Her work also shows a surprising creative influence: the British poet and artist William Blake (our major exhibition celebrating him closes this Sunday). “I first discovered William Blake in grad school,” Pierre says. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, this is so weird.’ I felt really connected to the imagery.”

Unlikely kindred spirits

But it’s not that old!

When 10-year-old Gerard Rey Lico visited the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, he wasn’t aware that its architectural accents—stucco bananas and mangoes on the ceiling—were a way of “Indigenizing the art deco language” to suit Filipino style. Some 30 years later, Lico returned to the theater for work as a conservation architect and enlisted the help of young locals. “Conservation is not just the realm of architects, but also of engineers, conservators, historians, and the people who will use and love the buildings,” he says.

Paying it forward in the Philippines

Art Break: “Unwrapping” the Book of the Dead at Getty

Friday, January 26, 12:00 pm

A fragment of linen inscribed and illustrated with spells from the Egyptian Book of the Dead once wrapped the mummified body of Petosiris, son of Tetosiris. Curatorial assistant Judith Barr and Egyptologist Heba Abd el Gawad discuss how such bandages were removed from tombs and collected in the 19th century.

Register for this free online talk

Related course January 18

Kindred Spirits: Duane Michals and Arthur Tress in Conversation

Sunday, January 28, 1:00 pm

The endearing rapport between photographers Duane Michals and Arthur Tress is deeply rooted in their distinct but individual approaches to the medium. What may have started as more of a mentor/mentee relationship evolved into a lifelong friendship between the two innovators. Hear them discuss their unique ways of picture-making and living.

Register for this free online event

Papyrus Scroll Making Family Workshop

Saturdays, January 13 and 27, 11:00 am
Getty Villa, Outer Peristyle

Become a scribe and create your own papyrus scene inspired by illustrations in the Book of the Dead. Learn about the making and use of the scrolls and ancient Egyptian art and belief.

Learn more about this free, drop-in family workshop

Artist at Work: Papyrus Making

Saturday, January 27, 11:00 am
Getty Villa, Outer Peristyle

Join local Egyptologist Marissa Stevens to discover how ancient papyrus paper was made and explore the many uses of the papyrus plant in ancient Egypt and in the exhibition The Egyptian Book of the Dead.

Learn more about this free event