Visual Arts

Keepers of the cultural memory

In wartime, saving human lives is a top priority. But secondary considerations often include preserving the cultural heritage also under siege. Penn experts offer their thoughts as the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold.

Michele W. Berger

Viewing 2021 through a lens

Photojournalist Kylie Cooper’s annotated photo essay about the liminality of 2021 captured the Capitol insurrection, the Ground Zero commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and more.

From Annenberg School for Communication

The philosophy of visual studies

Founded 20 years ago, the interdisciplinary major of visual studies creates a bridge for students to combine interests, including philosophy, art history, architecture, fine arts, and psychology.

Louisa Shepard

Learning to listen in troubled times

The SNF Paideia Program and partners featured Ernesto Pujol and Aaron Levy, an artist and an interdisciplinary scholar who have transformed both what it means to listen and what the act of listening can achieve as part of a lecture and workshops.

Kristen de Groot

Art from Mexico

During visits to the Penn Museum this semester, nearly 200 students in intermediate Spanish classes had the chance to learn about yarn paintings by the Huichol people, an indigenous group in Northwest Mexico.

Louisa Shepard



Media Contact


In the News


WHYY (Philadelphia)

What Philly arts leaders want to see from the city’s 100th mayor

The Institute of Contemporary Art has partnered with Taller Puertorriqueño to offer free bus service for residents of Fairhill to an ICA exhibition by North Philly native and artist David Antonio Cruz.

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The Observer

On view now: Two shows on domesticity and the housing crisis

A review examines the group show “Movables” at the Institute of Contemporary Art, including pieces by Ken Lum of the Weitzman School of Design.

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CBS Philadelphia

New class from Barnes Foundation and UPenn shows a new twist in art therapy

Penn professors, including James Pawelski and Katherine Cotter of the School of Arts & Sciences, are teaching an online class about art therapy with support from the Barnes Foundation.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Bolivia in Philadelphia: Mural Arts commissions renowned artist Roberto Mamani Mamani

Catherine Bartch of the School of Arts & Sciences, who first encountered Roberto Mamani Mamani’s art in Bolivia, is noted for encouraging the Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies and Mural Arts to fund Mamani Mamani’s mural in Philadelphia.

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The New York Times

On our National Mall, new monuments tell new stories

Paul Farber of the Weitzman School of Design is helping to curate “Pulling Together,” an open-air exhibition at the National Mall that will address some of the stories neglected by past monument makers.

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WHYY (Philadelphia)

Philly artist wins $100K craft prize for her work remembering Black ancestors

Philadelphia-based artist Adebunmi Gbadebo’s work, which sources materials directly from her enslaved ancestors, is on display at the Arthur Ross Gallery as part of the group exhibition “Songs for Ritual Remembrance.”

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