Modern painting: the 20th century from Matisse to Ofili
The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes to the practice of painting. Modern and Post-Modern painting systematically broke with long-established traditions of representation and content. Learn about the ways in which the avant-garde painters challenged the norms through an exploration of key examples.
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From Fauvism to Neo-Expressionism and the YBA, this course provides an introduction to the study of twentieth century art but looking at a range of century-defining paintings by significant artists attached to important movements. From Kandinsky’s Composition VII, to Kiefer’s Shulamite, we will look at specific works in detail to explore how and why art changed through the century. We will discuss stylistic innovations and address theoretical ideas that shaped high culture, along with the social and cultural factors that affected art, such as the impact of war and the growth of mass media.
What will we cover?
We will look at examples from movements including Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art.
Paintings discussed will include Picasso’s Les Demoiselle’s d’Avignon, Hopper’s Night Hawks, Pollock’s Full Fathom Five and Hockney’s Mr & Mrs Clark and Percy
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Recognise key artworks and describe the formal characteristics of the different ‘isms’ of twentieth century art
• Discuss the impact of social and cultural factors upon twentieth century art
• Explain the aims of artists in relation to specific examples, and asses their contribution to the development of twentieth century art
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with slide presentations, lecture and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Modern Painting: The 19th century from Goya to Gauguin
Dr Rachel Sanders received her MA and PhD in History of Art from University College, London. She has taught at a number of institutions and currently lectures on the history of art and design at City Lit and Oxford Brookes University. Her research interest is early twentieth-century American political paintings and cartoons. She has published a number of articles on her research specialism and is currently writing a book on New Masses magazine.
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
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Learn about the ways in which the avant-garde painters challenged the norms through an exploration of key examples.</p>002928918Modern painting: the 20th century from Matisse to Ofili149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/b/vb258_1.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-05-09T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB258149149Modern painting: the 20th century from Matisse to Ofili11997149Rachel Sandersmodern-painting-the-20th-century-from-matisse-to-ofili/vb258-2526<p>The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes to the practice of painting. Modern and Post-Modern painting systematically broke with long-established traditions of representation and content. Learn about the ways in which the avant-garde painters challenged the norms through an exploration of key examples.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-09 00:00:00<p>From Fauvism to Neo-Expressionism and the YBA, this course provides an introduction to the study of twentieth century art but looking at a range of century-defining paintings by significant artists attached to important movements. From Kandinsky’s Composition VII, to Kiefer’s Shulamite, we will look at specific works in detail to explore how and why art changed through the century. We will discuss stylistic innovations and address theoretical ideas that shaped high culture, along with the social and cultural factors that affected art, such as the impact of war and the growth of mass media.</p><p>The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes to the practice of painting. Modern and Post-Modern painting systematically broke with long-established traditions of representation and content. Learn about the ways in which the avant-garde painters challenged the norms through an exploration of key examples.</p><ul><li>We will look at examples from movements including Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art.</li><li>Paintings discussed will include Picasso’s <em>Les Demoiselle’s d’Avignon</em>, Hopper’s <em>Night Hawks</em>, Pollock’s <em>Full Fathom Five</em> and Hockney’s <em>Mr & Mrs Clark and Percy</em></li></ul><p>• Recognise key artworks and describe the formal characteristics of the different ‘isms’ of twentieth century art</p><p>• Discuss the impact of social and cultural factors upon twentieth century art</p><p>• Explain the aims of artists in relation to specific examples, and asses their contribution to the development of twentieth century art</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion</p><p>You will be taught with slide presentations, lecture and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.</p><p>Modern Painting: The 19th century from Goya to Gauguin</p>Art historyModern & contemporary artvirtual11914997VB258NONESat09/05/26 - 16/05/2611:00 - 17:0011:0017:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetRachel SandersBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-09T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities149149Modern painting: the 20th century from Matisse to Ofilimodern-painting-the-20th-century-from-matisse-to-ofili/vb258-2526<p>The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes to the practice of painting. Modern and Post-Modern painting systematically broke with long-established traditions of representation and content. Learn about the ways in which the avant-garde painters challenged the norms through an exploration of key examples.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-09 00:00:00<p>From Fauvism to Neo-Expressionism and the YBA, this course provides an introduction to the study of twentieth century art but looking at a range of century-defining paintings by significant artists attached to important movements. From Kandinsky’s Composition VII, to Kiefer’s Shulamite, we will look at specific works in detail to explore how and why art changed through the century. We will discuss stylistic innovations and address theoretical ideas that shaped high culture, along with the social and cultural factors that affected art, such as the impact of war and the growth of mass media.</p><p>The twentieth century witnessed dramatic changes to the practice of painting. Modern and Post-Modern painting systematically broke with long-established traditions of representation and content. Learn about the ways in which the avant-garde painters challenged the norms through an exploration of key examples.</p><ul><li>We will look at examples from movements including Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art.</li><li>Paintings discussed will include Picasso’s <em>Les Demoiselle’s d’Avignon</em>, Hopper’s <em>Night Hawks</em>, Pollock’s <em>Full Fathom Five</em> and Hockney’s <em>Mr &amp; Mrs Clark and Percy</em></li></ul><p>• Recognise key artworks and describe the formal characteristics of the different ‘isms’ of twentieth century art</p><p>• Discuss the impact of social and cultural factors upon twentieth century art</p><p>• Explain the aims of artists in relation to specific examples, and asses their contribution to the development of twentieth century art</p><p>This course is suitable for all levels.</p><p>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion</p><p>You will be taught with slide presentations, lecture and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.</p><p>You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.</p><p>Modern Painting: The 19th century from Goya to Gauguin</p>Art historyModern & contemporary artconfigurable
18951136Modern & contemporary arthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/art-history/modern-contemporary-art1/2/285/1177/1136/18951/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Modern & contemporary art
