TED-Ed Lessons
Why is this painting of a black square famous?
Allison Leigh
366,342 views
Sep 19, 2023
Discover the symbolism of Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square,” and how it pushed the boundaries of what art is and what it can be.
In 1915, an exhibition of radical artworks opened in Russia. Many pieces pushed the boundaries of form and style, but one was particularly controversial: Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square.” Criticized as simple and uninspired, Malevich’s work is more complicated than it first appears— and may not be a painting of a black square at all. Allison Leigh digs into the art style known as Suprematism.
Lesson by Allison Leigh, directed by Alexia Roider, Zedem Media.
Allison Leigh
366,342 views
Sep 19, 2023
Discover the symbolism of Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square,” and how it pushed the boundaries of what art is and what it can be.
In 1915, an exhibition of radical artworks opened in Russia. Many pieces pushed the boundaries of form and style, but one was particularly controversial: Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square.” Criticized as simple and uninspired, Malevich’s work is more complicated than it first appears— and may not be a painting of a black square at all. Allison Leigh digs into the art style known as Suprematism.
Lesson by Allison Leigh, directed by Alexia Roider, Zedem Media.
Artemisia Gentileschi: The woman behind the paintings
Allison Leigh
522,281 views
Jun 16, 2022
Get to know the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the most accomplished artists of the 17th century.
The biblical story of the heroine Judith slaying the brutal Holofernes is featured in countless works of art, including the Sistine Chapel. But the most iconic depiction was painted by an artist who tackled this ambitious scene when she was just 19 years old. Her name was Artemisia Gentileschi. So who was Artemisia, and what sets her depiction apart from the rest? Allison Leigh investigates.
Lesson by Allison Leigh, directed by Luísa M H Copetti, Hype CG.
Allison Leigh
522,281 views
Jun 16, 2022
Get to know the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the most accomplished artists of the 17th century.
The biblical story of the heroine Judith slaying the brutal Holofernes is featured in countless works of art, including the Sistine Chapel. But the most iconic depiction was painted by an artist who tackled this ambitious scene when she was just 19 years old. Her name was Artemisia Gentileschi. So who was Artemisia, and what sets her depiction apart from the rest? Allison Leigh investigates.
Lesson by Allison Leigh, directed by Luísa M H Copetti, Hype CG.
Interviews
Dr. Leigh was interviewed by Beth Chiasson for NPR member station KRVS (88.7 FM) to publicize her lecture series on Andy Warhol for the Hilliard Art Museum (interview aired July 17, 2026).
Dr. Leigh was interviewed by KRVS (88.7 FM Radio Acadie) about her book Picturing Russia's Men: Masculinity and Modernity in 19th-Century Painting.
Dr. Leigh has been appointed the SLEMCO & Board of Regents Support Fund Endowed Professor in Art at the
University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Dr. Leigh received the Leonardo Award for "Best Emerging Researcher Presentation" in Montréal, Canada
Dr. Leigh was the subject of the "Alumni Spotlight" for the Department of Art History at American University in Washington D.C.
