Introduction to Modernism (255-0-1)

Instructors

Christina Hilleboe Kiaer

Katrina Nicole Lukes

Benjamin Edward Weil

Tamar Kharatishvili

Ruslana Lichtzier

Meeting Info

Block Pick-Laudati Auditorium: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

What is modernism? Why did artists in Western Europe in the late nineteenth century stop making realistic images of the world and instead start experimenting with form to the point that they invented abstract art? How did artists from other parts of the world reject or transform it? Modernist art arose in the historical period we call modernity, defined by colonialism and imperial expansion; industrialization; urbanization; revolution and mass war; the rise of mass commodity culture, spectacle and technology; and the emergence of the art market as we know it today. From the late 19th C to the mid-20th C, we will examine the key modernist "isms": Impressionism, Cubism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Suprematism, Purism, Constructivism, Socialist Realism, and Abstract Expressionism, as well as how they were reworked in the art of some of the non-European cultures to which they were often indebted.

Class Materials (Required)

No required textbook. Assigned readings provided on Canvas.

Class Notes

Starting November 21st please use the following link to sign up for the Waitlist for this course: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgNXUVYG7rEhw2GYZKZNcGbBp4oiQmWHkb0wKQTzRjgj5pHA/viewform

Class Attributes

Historical Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-331: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM