Baylor's Allbritton Art Institute Welcomes International Contemporary Art Expert For Annual Lecture

by Katie Brooks, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Baylor University's Allbritton Art Institute will host Professor Dave Hickey, The Schaeffer Professor of Modern Letters at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, to speak at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in room 149 of the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Building on Baylor's campus.

"Professor Hickey is one of the most stimulating voices in the national and international contemporary art world and the 'cultural world' in general," said Dr. Katie Robinson Edwards, visiting assistant professor of art history. "Dave Hickey received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship in 2002; the MacArthur has long been nicknamed the 'genius' award," she said.

Hickey is an art writer, art critic, curator, cultural critic and writer of fiction who has covered topics from traditional to the most radical, cutting edge in contemporary art, Edwards said. He has written for most major American cultural publications including, "Rolling Stone," "Art News," "Harpers Magazine," "Vanity Fair," "The New York Times" and "The Los Angeles Times."

Two of his most lauded books are critical essays on art and have been collected in two volumes--The Invisible Dragon: Four Essays on Beauty (1993), which is in its sixth printing, and Air Guitar: Essays on Art and Democracy (1998), now in its eighth printing. More recently, he received a Peabody Award (2007) for his work as project advisor and associate producer for Ric Burns' four-hour biographical documentary of Andy Warhol for the American Masters series on PBS in November of 2006.

"Students will gain a lot to hear a seasoned speaker offer his point of view on the current art market. Hickey is a maverick whose remarks will surely encourage strong responses. He is well-known for speaking his mind--and doing it without notes," Edwards said.

Edwards said students also will realize the value of a broad and cumulative education as Hickey draws from many disciplines and is not confined to only art.

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. A reception will follow.

For more information, contact Edwards at Katie_R_Edwards@baylor.edu.