Modern painting: the 20th century from Matisse to Ofili
An all-levels introduction to twentieth-century painting through key artworks, artistic movements, and the social and cultural forces that shaped them.
About this course
The course examines how twentieth-century painting changed, using selected works by artists including Matisse, Kandinsky, Picasso, Hopper, Pollock, Hockney, Kiefer and Ofili. Movements discussed include Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, Neo-Expressionism and the YBA. Teaching combines slide presentations, lectures and group discussion. Close study of individual paintings is used to consider formal innovation, artists’ aims, theoretical ideas, and the effects of events such as war and the rise of mass media.
What you'll learn
- Recognise key twentieth-century artworks and describe formal characteristics associated with different artistic movements.
- Discuss how social and cultural factors influenced the development of twentieth-century art.
- Explain artists’ aims in relation to specific paintings and assess their contribution to the development of the period’s art.
Is this course right for you?
The course is described as suitable for all levels and is structured as an introduction to twentieth-century painting. Participants will be expected to follow written and verbal guidance, use handouts and take part in group discussion.
- Includes lecture-based teaching alongside group discussion.
- Requires engagement with spoken explanations, written materials and demonstrations.
Before you go
- A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
- Books from any reading list provided in class may be purchased if desired.
Class teacher
Rachel Sanders
Class teacher
Where this course runs
Upcoming classes
1 class
Selected date
Sat 15 May 2027
11:00 – 17:00 • 2 weeks
£159
Keeley Street, Covent Garden