What is the course about?
Under the guidance of artist and art theorist Ian Tucknott this course explores contemporary art practices and debates in relation to current exhibitions taking place in London.
This is a live online course. For more information please see our guide to online learning.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- Contemporary artists' and the culture industries' response to the challenges of Covid 19 and the lockdown
- Visual analysis, interpretation and responses to contemporary art works
- Themes, debates and practices in cutting edge contemporary art
- Insight into artists currently exhibiting in London, and advice on visiting contemporary art galleries and venues.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- analyse and interpret contemporary art work, including works currently on display in London
- recognise and connect works of contemporary art with wider artistic, cultural, social and political contexts
- explore and discuss contemporary art with a greater confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to all levels of experience, however some understanding of historical, modern or contemporary art may be beneficial. An openness to and desire to understand and discuss contemporary art in greater depth is essential, along with a willingness to share your interpretation and response to contemporary art with others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught online via City Lit's Google Classroom where you will be able to access resources, materials and recorded content related to the course in your own time. Classes will take place via Zoom, and will involve illustrated talks by the tutor, paired and group discussion, and the visual analysis of art works under discussion. Please see our guidance on online courses to ensure you will able able to access and participate in this course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Whilst it is not essential, you may wish to visit some of the galleries and exhibitions under discussion independently between classes. Some of these exhibitions may charge an entrance fee, however the courses will reference a mixture of paid and free exhibitions. You may wish to have a notebook and pen handy, to make notes or record your responses to activities and reflections in preparation for discussions.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To expand your appreciation and understanding of contemporary art you may wish to study further next year on our termly Contemporary art in London courses, or participate in our Art Evolutions series exploring the development of art from the 19th Century up to the present day.
VB140 / VB816 - Art evolutions: Pre-Raphaelites to Expressionism
VB141 /VB817 - Art evolutions: Post-Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism
VB142 - Art evolutions: Pop to Post-Internet Art.
