World Cultures, World Arts Series: Feminine Vessels–The Ceramic Sculpture of Vally Wieselthier (1895-1945)
Thu Mar 12 2026 1:00PM – 2:00PM
Event Description:
This lecture examines the provocative ceramic sculpture of Austrian-American Jewish émigré Valerie (Vally) Wieselthier, head of the Ceramics Department at the Vienna Workshop (Wiener Werkstätte) and the most successful artist of her generation to lead a career in the United States. After she emigrated to New York, first provisionally in 1928 and then permanently in 1932, Wieselthier emerged as a sculptor and theoretical spokeswoman for Viennese Expressionist Ceramics. She liberated herself from the pejorative discourse clinging to the Vienna Workshop by creating ceramic sculptures with formal asymmetries and imperfections, unevenly applied, bright glazes and decoration, and spontaneous processes of design, as visible in her trademarkwomen’s heads (Frauenköpfe). Through close study of the artworks, this lecture provides new feminist perspectives on Wieselthier’s practice, interrogating how this Austrian-American artist confronted stereotypes surrounding women’s art, the new woman, and tropes of the beautiful Jewess. The World Cultures, World Arts Series bridges the gap between the business education of a Baruch student and the cultural and artistic world. In each session, an artist or art historian presents a detailed look at a piece of artwork, its context and its relevance for today. We will connect world cultures with the fine arts, to see if we can find an alternate way to become globally-accomplished students. The Baruch community is invited to attend this free online lecture. Learn more about the series at https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/globalstudentcertificate/world-cultures-world-arts-series/.
Online link for More Event Information:
https://baruch.zoom.us/meeting/register/IR5v0WkySxqe7aWKEeleJw#/registration