Reader's GuideThe Friday Night Club by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M. J. RoseDiscussion Questions:1. At its core, The Friday Night Club is about the artist’s pursuit to search and understand the universe. Do you feel a connection with Hilma and De Fem’s quest to find deeper meaning in the world around them? Do you admire their perseverance, since they had so little support from society and the artistic world? 2. The exploration of the atom, the X-ray, and other scientific discoveries contributed much to Hilma’s artistic vision. Can you think of examples of how art and science inspire each other today? 3. To get funding for the exhibition, Eben navigates a very politicized art world. How museums must navigate getting such financial support from corporate sponsors has been in the news recently. Do you feel ethical compromises justify getting funding to promote the arts? 4. Hilma and De Fem created a very modern and pro-feminist agenda that was ahead of its time. What do you think inspired them to be independent and forward-thinking when all around them women were being relegated to the roles of mothers and wives? 5. As a self-described art detective, have you ever thought of museum curators as art detectives? What aspect of Eben’s job did you find the most surprising or interesting? 6. Hilma and Anna had a lifelong friendship and possibly a love affair. Do you feel that their relationship influenced their art and the creation of the Paintings for the Temple? 7. Spiritualism and paranormal activity are often met with cynicism and doubt. How do you feel it was portrayed in the book? Do you feel these women were connected to a higher power? 8. Would it change your opinion of a piece of art if the attributed artist didn’t work alone? Would it change your opinion of the artist?
Reader's GuideThe Friday Night Club by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M. J. RoseDiscussion Questions:1. At its core, The Friday Night Club is about the artist’s pursuit to search and understand the universe. Do you feel a connection with Hilma and De Fem’s quest to find deeper meaning in the world around them? Do you admire their perseverance, since they had so little support from society and the artistic world? 2. The exploration of the atom, the X-ray, and other scientific discoveries contributed much to Hilma’s artistic vision. Can you think of examples of how art and science inspire each other today? 3. To get funding for the exhibition, Eben navigates a very politicized art world. How museums must navigate getting such financial support from corporate sponsors has been in the news recently. Do you feel ethical compromises justify getting funding to promote the arts? 4. Hilma and De Fem created a very modern and pro-feminist agenda that was ahead of its time. What do you think inspired them to be independent and forward-thinking when all around them women were being relegated to the roles of mothers and wives? 5. As a self-described art detective, have you ever thought of museum curators as art detectives? What aspect of Eben’s job did you find the most surprising or interesting? 6. Hilma and Anna had a lifelong friendship and possibly a love affair. Do you feel that their relationship influenced their art and the creation of the Paintings for the Temple? 7. Spiritualism and paranormal activity are often met with cynicism and doubt. How do you feel it was portrayed in the book? Do you feel these women were connected to a higher power? 8. Would it change your opinion of a piece of art if the attributed artist didn’t work alone? Would it change your opinion of the artist?