Empowering Artists

Michael Petry is the director at MOCA London. He is also the author of a number of books and in this episode he talks about his latest book, Mirror Mirror, The Reflective Surface in Art. Starting with Van Eyck's Arnolfini Betrothal, the book tracks the story of mirrors and the reflective surface in art through to contemporary art with mirrored surfaces inviting self reflection, 'holding up a mirror' to society and the viewers' participation in the artwork.Michael talks about how artists use the reflective surface to draw in visitors, how this affects engagement with art such as Kusama's Infinity Room and the many artists using the reflective surface for political commentary. The final chapter in the book which Michael talks about in this episode is about narcissism and the popular trend of selfies.You can see images and links to images mentioned in this podcast at this link Buy the Book HereVisit MOCA London at MOCA London,  113 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4QYMOCA website. https://www.moca.london/Follow Mich