Understanding Contemporary Art Online Short Course

This short and focused course will survey the contemporary art world, and trace a history of contemporary art which will help you make sense of its increasingly challenging and innovative works.

Topics Covered

• What is contemporary art?
• What reference does contemporary art make to the past?
• Art history and historical analysis
• Artwork analysis
• Contextual research
• Explanation and interpretation
• Performance art
• Conceptual art
• Consumer culture and art
• Abstract expressionism
• Pop art
• Art and the dawn of the internet
• Global contemporary art
• Rise of the art market

Course Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will be able to;

• Trace a basic map of the contemporary art world, from c. 1945 to 2000
• Link later 20th century movements such as performance art, internet art, pop art and more
• Analyse artwork through the use of art historical frameworks
• Understand the fundamental differences between modern and contemporary art
• Connect artworks to multiple influences and ideas from recent history
• Have a basic knowledge of some of the most influential living artists

Level: Intermediate. Students will benefit from some prior knowledge but no academic background is necessary.