This introductory course aims to critically explore the role and symbolic meaning of art from a cross-cultural perspective, ranging from the concept of beauty, the beliefs and rituals associated with material objects, to the human body as canvas and the role of museums.
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The Anthropology of Art overlaps with art history, aesthetics, material culture studies, and visual anthropology. On this introductory course we shall critically explore the role and meaning of masks, paintings, photography, museums, tourist and street art, and the human body. Some of the questions we discuss are “Is there a universal concept of beauty or an indigenous aesthetic? Why do different cultures decorate their walls and floors on different ways? Is the human body increasingly seen as a visual canvas? What is the role of museums and ethnographic collections”. We address how an anthropological approach to art is distinguished by a global and local understanding, and the social relationships involved in the making of art objects. How does a culture produce different art styles and to what extent does the value of art change when transported cross culturally? By analysing C19th colonial and contemporary ethnographic photographs and the role of fieldwork, an understanding of the parallels and perspectives of how anthropologists and photographers equally step inside and outside society is revealed On a practical level students will additionally analyse the form and function of objects and the status of artists in the community through role play and handling visual material.
What will we cover?
- What is the Anthropology of Art? - Anthropology of the body, tattooing, scarification, hair and skin. - 20thc tribal art influences on Picasso and Matisse - Anthropology of the line- Aboriginal dreamtime and land art - Anthropology of Art and the Senses - Anthropology of colonial and contemporary ethnographic photography - The ritual and cultural decoration of domestic walls and floors. - The role of museums and ethnographic collections.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key theorists, concepts and debates relating to the anthropology of art. - evaluate key anthropology theories and develop critical analysis relating to the anthropology of art and its significance in human society - demonstrate an understanding of anthropological methods and practice in relation to our material world - develop an academic, personal and professional understanding of the anthropology of art through role play, class discussions and debate. - apply an ethnographic appreciation to a variety of cross cultural values and beliefs relating to anthropology of art and the visual image, through practical handling of material art objects, photographic material and a museum visit.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course that requires no prior experience of anthropology. Your enjoyment will be enhanced if you approach this course with an open and critical mind and a curiosity for learning. You will benefit from reading and commenting upon the anthropology texts distributed in class and be prepared to discuss with your peers. As anthropologists seek to raise awareness of the cross-cultural difference of human behaviour, overall you should be willing to re-evaluate your own understanding, perceptions and assumptions of art from cultures different to your own. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
No previous knowledge is required. However, an enthusiasm for learning and an open, critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and the benefits of this course. On joining the class, you should be able to read and comment upon articles and extracts from anthropological texts and journals and be prepared to discuss these readings in class. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for note taking. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HA034 : Politics and Poetics of Museums: Repatriation and decolonisation HA007 ; Anthropology of space, place and the cultural landscape HA035 : Doing anthropology: ethnographic research methods
Yasmin completed a BA (Hons) in Social Anthropology and an MA in the History of South Asian Art and Architecture which complemented her role as a museum educator and curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Her research interest in the social use of space, indigenous art and architecture was consolidated through ethnographic fieldwork in India, and latterly commenced doctoral research in the Anthropology of Architecture at Oxford Brookes University and UCL. Yasmin has lectured at various academic institutions including Birkbeck and University of Arts, and is currently based at City Lit and Goldsmiths University, teaching Anthropology modules including Intro to Anthropology, Anthropology of Art, Film and Photography and the Anthropology of Space, Place and the Landscape. She is currently involved in research at the UCL Media Anthropology Lab, working with digital research methods and indigenous Amazonian communities in South America. Yasmin has also curated a Tamil, South Indian community exhibition called the ‘Talking Streets’. ways. She is a freelance anthropology consultant, tutor and delivers a range of successful independent cultural workshops at Anthropology for all.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/anthropology-of-art-film-and-photography2490547Anthropology of Art, Film and Photographyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/anthropology_of_art_film_photography_ha033_1024x1024.jpg279279GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Anthropology/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Anthropology/Anthropology/Courses/Online courses228511771195119617311228511771195This introductory course aims to critically explore the role and symbolic meaning of art from a cross-cultural perspective, ranging from the concept of beauty, the beliefs and rituals associated with material objects, to the human body as canvas and the role of museums.002736875Anthropology of Art, Film and Photography279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/anthropology_of_art_film_photography_ha033_1024x1024_1.jpgInStockEveningMonOnlineAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekday2026-05-11T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHA033279279Anthropology of Art, Film and Photography279181279Yasmin Halesanthropology-of-art-film-and-photography/ha033-2526This introductory course aims to critically explore the role and symbolic meaning of art from a cross-cultural perspective, ranging from the concept of beauty, the beliefs and rituals associated with material objects, to the human body as canvas and the role of museums.0000-Available|2026-05-11 00:00:00The Anthropology of Art overlaps with art history, aesthetics, material culture studies, and visual anthropology. On this introductory course we shall critically explore the role and meaning of masks, paintings, photography, museums, tourist and street art, and the human body. Some of the questions we discuss are “Is there a universal concept of beauty or an indigenous aesthetic? Why do different cultures decorate their walls and floors on different ways? Is the human body increasingly seen as a visual canvas? What is the role of museums and ethnographic collections”. We address how an anthropological approach to art is distinguished by a global and local understanding, and the social relationships involved in the making of art objects. How does a culture produce different art styles and to what extent does the value of art change when transported cross culturally? By analysing C19th colonial and contemporary ethnographic photographs and the role of fieldwork, an understanding of the parallels and perspectives of how anthropologists and photographers equally step inside and outside society is revealed On a practical level students will additionally analyse the form and function of objects and the status of artists in the community through role play and handling visual material.This introductory course aims to critically explore the role and symbolic meaning of art from a cross-cultural perspective, ranging from the concept of beauty, the beliefs and rituals associated with material objects, to the human body as canvas and the role of museums.- What is the Anthropology of Art?<br/>- Anthropology of the body, tattooing, scarification, hair and skin. <br/>- 20thc tribal art influences on Picasso and Matisse <br/>- Anthropology of the line- Aboriginal dreamtime and land art <br/>- Anthropology of Art and the Senses <br/>- Anthropology of colonial and contemporary ethnographic photography <br/>- The ritual and cultural decoration of domestic walls and floors. <br/>- The role of museums and ethnographic collections.- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key theorists, concepts and debates relating to <br/>the anthropology of art.<br/>- evaluate key anthropology theories and develop critical analysis relating to the anthropology of art and its <br/>significance in human society<br/>- demonstrate an understanding of anthropological methods and practice in relation to our material world<br/>- develop an academic, personal and professional understanding of the anthropology of art through role play, class <br/> discussions and debate.<br/>- apply an ethnographic appreciation to a variety of cross cultural values and beliefs relating to anthropology of art and the visual image, through practical handling of material art objects, photographic material and a museum visit.This is an introductory course that requires no prior experience of anthropology. Your enjoyment will be enhanced if you approach this course with an open and critical mind and a curiosity for learning. You will benefit from reading and commenting upon the anthropology texts distributed in class and be prepared to discuss with your peers. As anthropologists seek to raise awareness of the cross-cultural difference of human behaviour, overall you should be willing to re-evaluate your own understanding, perceptions and assumptions of art from cultures different to your own. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.No previous knowledge is required. However, an enthusiasm for learning and an open, critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and the benefits of this course. On joining the class, you should be able to read and comment upon articles and extracts from anthropological texts and journals and be prepared to discuss these readings in class. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for note taking. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.<p>HA034 : Politics and Poetics of Museums: Repatriation and decolonisation<br/>HA007 ; Anthropology of space, place and the cultural landscape<br/>HA035 : Doing anthropology: ethnographic research methods</p>AnthropologyAnthropologyvirtual279279181HA033NONEMon11/05/26 - 27/07/2618:30 - 20:3018:3020:3011 sessions (over 12 weeks)1111 weeks or longerEveningWeekdayOnlineOnlineYasmin HalesAvailable courses2026-05-11T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities279279Anthropology of Art, Film and Photographyanthropology-of-art-film-and-photography/ha033-2526This introductory course aims to critically explore the role and symbolic meaning of art from a cross-cultural perspective, ranging from the concept of beauty, the beliefs and rituals associated with material objects, to the human body as canvas and the role of museums.0000-Available|2026-05-11 00:00:00The Anthropology of Art overlaps with art history, aesthetics, material culture studies, and visual anthropology. On this introductory course we shall critically explore the role and meaning of masks, paintings, photography, museums, tourist and street art, and the human body. Some of the questions we discuss are “Is there a universal concept of beauty or an indigenous aesthetic? Why do different cultures decorate their walls and floors on different ways? Is the human body increasingly seen as a visual canvas? What is the role of museums and ethnographic collections”. We address how an anthropological approach to art is distinguished by a global and local understanding, and the social relationships involved in the making of art objects. How does a culture produce different art styles and to what extent does the value of art change when transported cross culturally? By analysing C19th colonial and contemporary ethnographic photographs and the role of fieldwork, an understanding of the parallels and perspectives of how anthropologists and photographers equally step inside and outside society is revealed On a practical level students will additionally analyse the form and function of objects and the status of artists in the community through role play and handling visual material.This introductory course aims to critically explore the role and symbolic meaning of art from a cross-cultural perspective, ranging from the concept of beauty, the beliefs and rituals associated with material objects, to the human body as canvas and the role of museums.- What is the Anthropology of Art?<br/>- Anthropology of the body, tattooing, scarification, hair and skin. <br/>- 20thc tribal art influences on Picasso and Matisse <br/>- Anthropology of the line- Aboriginal dreamtime and land art <br/>- Anthropology of Art and the Senses <br/>- Anthropology of colonial and contemporary ethnographic photography <br/>- The ritual and cultural decoration of domestic walls and floors. <br/>- The role of museums and ethnographic collections.- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key theorists, concepts and debates relating to <br/>the anthropology of art.<br/>- evaluate key anthropology theories and develop critical analysis relating to the anthropology of art and its <br/>significance in human society<br/>- demonstrate an understanding of anthropological methods and practice in relation to our material world<br/>- develop an academic, personal and professional understanding of the anthropology of art through role play, class <br/> discussions and debate.<br/>- apply an ethnographic appreciation to a variety of cross cultural values and beliefs relating to anthropology of art and the visual image, through practical handling of material art objects, photographic material and a museum visit.This is an introductory course that requires no prior experience of anthropology. Your enjoyment will be enhanced if you approach this course with an open and critical mind and a curiosity for learning. You will benefit from reading and commenting upon the anthropology texts distributed in class and be prepared to discuss with your peers. As anthropologists seek to raise awareness of the cross-cultural difference of human behaviour, overall you should be willing to re-evaluate your own understanding, perceptions and assumptions of art from cultures different to your own. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.No previous knowledge is required. However, an enthusiasm for learning and an open, critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and the benefits of this course. On joining the class, you should be able to read and comment upon articles and extracts from anthropological texts and journals and be prepared to discuss these readings in class. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper for note taking. Please also note that the course involves a free museum visit, which will be discussed in the first session.<p>HA034 : Politics and Poetics of Museums: Repatriation and decolonisation<br/>HA007 ; Anthropology of space, place and the cultural landscape<br/>HA035 : Doing anthropology: ethnographic research methods</p>AnthropologyAnthropologyconfigurable
11961195Anthropologyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/anthropology/anthropology-11/2/285/1177/1195/1196/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Anthropology/Anthropology
