The Vatican, Monarchy and State have all manipulated Art to proclaim their power and convince others of their truths. We might well call it 'spin' nowadays.

However, images can be ambiguous and artists notoriously difficult to control! Dissenters have fought back and played the authorities at their own game; often risking their careers, freedom, even their lives, to make counter-propaganda.

In Modern times Art has become increasingly a voice of dissent inspired by Marxism and, more recently, by broader cultural, environmental and identity issues.

This lecture will explore radical artworks and ask: did they have the desired effect? Can Art really change the world?

Lynne Gibson is a fully qualified teacher and highly experienced lecturer in Critical and Contextual Studies in Art, as well as practical Drawing, Painting and Printmaking.

She has lectured for the University of Sussex and the University of Bristol, where she also taught several summer schools. Other teaching includes Bath and Stroud colleges of Art, and ARCA colleges Dillington House and Farncombe Estate.

She also gives lectures, talks and tours for organizations such as the National Trust, National Galleries and Museums, and various art societies. She now works freelance as a lecturer and consultant.

Lynne's Bachelor degree is in Fine Art and Education, 1980, and Masters in Language, The Arts and Education, 1991, both Sussex University. She also holds a certificate with distinction in Printmaking from Brighton University. She was involved in pioneering Critical Studies teaching in East Sussex Schools, training teachers and post graduate students. She has introduced the subject to Sussex University and into adult education provision organized by the University of Bristol. Having both a practical and academic background Lynne's enthusiasm is for helping art lovers to enrich their viewing by understanding how and why art works were made, and by using a simple strategy for interpretation. She tackles areas such as technique and use of materials, types of subject matter, as well as more philosophical and contextual issues, which can complement conventional art history studies.

Lynne is also an exhibiting Painter and Etcher, with work in many private collections, and publications including the TES, Resurgence and book jackets for Falmer Press.