Up Close | Cubism

This hour-long session will take a deep dive into Cubism, focusing on works in The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity, guided by art historian Linda Yang. In small groups you will be able to look closer than ever at masterpieces by Cezanne, Braque and Picasso. Up Close sessions will be conversational and interactive as we unpack artworks together through discussion and close looking. Playful drawing activities will help to unlock new discoveries and visual analysis. Pencil and paper provided, but you are welcome to bring your sketchbook if you would like to keep your drawings together.

Choose from one of the dates below, the content is the same for each session. This is a great chance to get up close and personal with artworks in The Robertson Gift before they are taken off display in 2026.

This programme is for Gallery Members, and if you have a guest pass you can book for a friend as well. With a limited capacity of only 12 guests per session – reserve your spot!

Click here to find out more about our Membership programme.

About the lecturer

Linda Yang (BFA/BA Hons, MA) is an art historian and educator. She has taught a range of art history and photography classes to secondary and tertiary students as well as adults at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, New Zealand School of Education, Browne School of Art and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Linda was a long-time assistant of Marti Friedlander (1928–2016), one of New Zealand’s most famous and celebrated photographers. She is the archivist for the Marti Friedlander Archive, which is held by the Gallery’s E H McCormick Research Library. Linda prides herself in creating a safe environment where ideas can be exchanged and explored freely in discussion.

Image credits: Georges Braque, Le guéridon (Vase gris et palette). [Pedestal Table (Grey Vase and Palette)], 1938, installation view, image credit David St George). Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Julian and Josie Robertson through the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation, 2023  | Linda Yang