THE BREAKDOWN ⟡ Lectures by ATX Artists ⟡ Drake X The French Impressionists
Details
Join us for THE BREAKDOWN: a quirky bar lecture series where ATX artists explain art & culture, covering everything from deep dives into Renaissance sculpture to nuanced takes on the best of pop culture.
Our Inaugural Set of Topics: Soft Light & Soft Boys ⟡ Understanding The Impressionists & Drake
From June-July, the theme of our arts & humanities club is "The City," Although at first glance, painters like Claude Monet may seem to have little in common with Aubrey Graham, these artists share a deep commitment to portraying urban life and the myriad complexities of being out in the streets.
In Drake's own words:
Shakiness, man, I don't have no time for that
My city too turned up, I'll take the fine for that
This been where you find me at
That's been where you find me at
Come join us to better understand the "Views" of these exceptionally influential modern artists.
Your Presenters For THE BREAKDOWN: Rachel & Sean
Sean Saldaña is a KUT News reporter who has presented his archival research and oral storytelling at venues like Bass Concert Hall, in addition to appearing regularly on Austin's public radio and formerly on NPR. A native Austinite and Texas Ex, Sean moonlights as a stand-up comic and is currently competing in Cap City Comedy Club's 'Funniest Person in Austin' Contest.
Rachel Summer Cheong holds an A.B. in the History of Art and Architecture from Harvard College. A multidisciplinary artist and cultural organizer, her work has been used by magazines like Vox and Verdict, as well as cultural institutions like the New York Philharmonic and local non-profits like Move Texas. She loves taking photos, going dancing, and organizing whimsical free events.
Event Structure
Come join us at Darwin's Pub on Tuesday, June 23 from 7-9 PM!
7:00 - 7;20 PM: Mix & Mingle
7:20 - 7:30: Introducing the Presenters & Darwin's Pub
7:30 - 7:50: First Lecture: Rachel Summer Cheong
7:50 - 8:00: Ten Minute Recess
8:00 - 8:20: Second Lecture: Sean Saldaña
8:20 - 8:40: Audience Q&A & Prize Giveaway
8:40 - 9:00: Mix & Mingle + Event Clean-Up
Attendees will be provided with post-its & markers on which to doodle during the talks and write down their thoughts from the event. We'll be giving away two Drake albums on vinyl for the best and the worst portrait of Drake!
Audience members will also be able to vote on whose art they appreciate more: The Impressionists... or Champagne Papi?
Our Theme for June & July: The City
Every 1-3 months, our group chooses a special theme to explore in our events. This writing workshop is part of our June-July session on "The City." How do we make the decision that it's worthwhile to live or leave somewhere? What does our city owe us and what do we owe it back? What does it mean to "Keep Austin Weird"? How do art and literature expand or limit our sense of civic possibilities? What new kinds of cities and city life can we imagine? And how will we know when this city has become ours?
These are some of the questions we hope to investigate this month, while offering Austinites a creative home in our own arts & humanities community.
About Us
This group is a project by Difficult Friends, a community-run arts & humanities club: Website ⟡ Instagram
We empower Austinites to tackle Difficult ideas and projects.
Our core values are:
- creative growth,
- intellectual challenge,
- human connection, and
- civic imagination.
Our events are designed as fun intellectual workouts and creative experiments. We host workshops and discussions that push Austin residents to think harder thoughts, make cooler stuff, and connect more deeply across their human differences.
This is not an organization for the faint of heart. As our name suggests, we take pride in being Difficult Friends and in confronting Difficult challenges.
Meaning is Difficult! Embrace the Difficult!
Statement of Welcome & Inclusivity
Here at Difficult Friends, we believe everybody can be Difficult. ;-)
Difficult Friends is an inclusive community space, and we particularly seek to protect and welcome our LGBTQIA+, queer, transgender, and nonbinary members. Event attendees may be asked to share their preferred pronouns and will be asked to respect the preferred pronouns shared by other participants. Women, immigrants, people of color, religious minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent folks seeking a diverse community are also especially encouraged to attend!
Photography Policy
The event organizers of this meetup may take photos or videos of our events. By attending this event, you consent to being filmed and photographed. (If it’s Rachel, don’t worry - she will airbrush any blemishes & imperfections xoxo)!