Modern art: movements 1945-1990

About this course

The course surveys major modern and post-modern movements from 1945 to 1990, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Fluxus, Minimalism, Land Art, Feminist art, the BLK Art Group, Neo-Expressionism and the Young British Artists. It focuses on movements rather than artists’ biographies, considering how war, consumerism, civil rights, feminism, environmentalism and changes in the art market shaped artistic methods and interpretation. Teaching combines lectures, slide presentations and group discussions. Participants examine artworks, identify differing styles, develop informed responses and consider ways of interpreting abstract and conceptual art within wider European and North American contexts.

What you'll learn

• Recognise different styles and types of modern art
• Describe modern artworks and formulate an informed personal response
• Interpret abstract and conceptual art
• Relate mid-to-late twentieth-century European and North American art to its broader socio-cultural context

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to all levels and no previous subject knowledge is required. It suits learners able to follow written and spoken instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. Participants should also be willing to access supplemental course documents through Google Classroom.

• No prior knowledge of art history is required
• Content includes discussions of war, racism and frank depictions of women’s bodies
• The course involves lectures, visual presentations and group discussion

Before you go

• Supplemental documents are shared through Google Classroom; required handouts are printed.
• PowerPoint slides are not shared.
• A notebook may be useful but is optional.
• Reading-list books and visits to recommended exhibitions are optional.