The paintings of JMW Turner are famed for their radical formats and high energy vision, but they are also infused with a kindly, spiritual sensibility which Ruskin memorably called ‘heartsight’. In Turner’s work the substantial is frequently dissolved in light or overwhelmed by fluid motion, conveying an atmosphere that is simultaneously abstract, dynamic and rich in feeling. We will explore the way in which Turner has achieved the at times miraculous representation of these violent elemental forces whilst infusing them with an inherently gentle spirit. Turner’s dedication to landscape painting has led many to believe that the gruff, often unsociable artist lacked the instinct for painting people. The human presence that pervades these late works is vital to understanding them and builds a bridge between universal forces and our own humanity.

Howard Hull is the Director of Brantwood, John Ruskin's former home. He has curated many exhibitions, historical and contemporary, lectured widely in Britain and abroad, and written on Ruskin and more broadly on the arts in a wide range of publications. He studied English Literature at Oxford University, before becoming a founding partner of the Support Group, organizing numerous festivals and public celebrations. Prior to moving to Brantwood he was Director of Development at the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, a role he went on to play at the Royal College of Art.  This is his fourth Temenos lecture.

In the Chair: Julia Cleave

Venue & Admission

18 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3ED

Doors open at 6.10 pm, lecture begins at 6.30 pm.

£10 General Admission

FREE for Temenos Academy Members/Full-time students with ID card