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Understanding Contemporary Art Online Short Course

Course description

Our current art era is dynamic and eclectic. It can be hard to place within a conceptual framework, but developing knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art can be very rewarding for artists, art lovers, collectors, or curators seeking inspiration.

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.

We will study works from seminal figures such as Allan Kaprow, Joseph Beuys, the E.A.T Group, the Guerilla Girls, Mierle Ukeles, the YBAs, Olia Lialina and more, and through their work we will examine the themes that run through contemporary art. By the end of the course you will have a firm foundation from which to navigate the art world of today.


Who is Understanding Contemporary Art (Online Short Course) for?

This course is ideal for aspiring curators or collectors of contemporary art, people with a passion for art, arts industry professionals looking to focus on contemporary art, and journalists or writers new to contemporary works.


All our Online Short Courses include:

  • Live online lessons with the same tutors
  • The same course content and learning outcomes
  • Lesson recordings, for review
  • Access to VLE with course content
  • Forums for support
  • 2 weeks online access
  • Certificate upon completion

Please note that all courses are taught in UK time.

Available dates

It can take a few moments for our course dates to load - if there are no available dates, please contact our customer service team who will help you find a course or email you when new dates become available.
Make an enquiry or call us on 0207 514 7015.

Details

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.



Materials

Online short course materials

To take part in the Online sessions you will need:

  • An up-to-date web browser (we recommend Chrome)
  • Microphone and headphones (a headset with a microphone function is recommended. The built-in microphone in your device would also be fine)
  • Webcam
  • Strong Internet connection - we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps download, and 1 Mbps upload, faster if possible. You can test your network speed here - https://www.speedtest.net


Course Specific Materials

  • Paper and pen to take notes during live sessions

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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.

£
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