Lecture by Esteban Blanco

Cuban-born Blanco, is also a collector and has developed a body of work based on the aesthetic values and social implications of toys. Fashioned in a variety of media, from wood and fiberglass to bronze and paper, these works explore the parallel between the imaginary world of children where war and violence have no consequences, and the real world, where those games can touch the horror.

Blanco explains: I am interested in the esthetics of the toy, because toys are the keys, which children use to de-mystify the adult world, they will shortly be entering. We have all played cops and robbers; house; firefighter and yes, even doctors and nurses.

Then at some point during adolescence, toys are put aside and life takes its course. Yet, to the extent that we grow-up and all the conditions of adult life revealed, we retain a connection to the toy and playing which is sometimes semantic, but in other aspects quite compelling. Successful businesspersons are wont to refer to the trappings of their lifestyle as their toys: sports cars, vacation homes, etc. In extreme cases, even lovers and mistresses are playmates or boy toys.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Free parking is available at Building 7 (parking garage) at 500 N.E. Second Ave. The lecture will take place in Room 7120, located on the first floor of the garage.

Wolfson Focus on Humanities- Artist Esteban Blanco
Thursday, October. 20, 11:30 a.m. 500 N.E. Second Ave. Building 7, Room 7128