Study day: Rothko, Pollock and Abstract Expressionism
issues such as the movement’s social and political context, artistic influences, and stylistic progress.
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- Start Date: 29 Nov 2025End Date: 29 Nov 2025Sat (Daytime): 11:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
In this one-day course we will study the development of Abstract Expressionism and the artists involved, within the
context of international modernist painting, biography, politics, and social history. We will prioritise Pollock and Rothko as leading figures of the movement and consider ways in which we can compare and interpret ‘Action Painting’ and ‘Colourfield Painting’ through analysis of a number of famous works, including Full Fathom Five and the Seagram Murals. We will chart the progress of style, material experimentation and the relationship with the theoretical ideas of Clement Greenberg.
What will we cover?
• Formal experimentation and the influence of movements such as Expressionism and Surrealism.
• The development of Abstract Expressionism, with focus on biographic, social, and political context
• The artists’ motivations, and varied interpretations of Abstract Expressionism.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Describe formal characteristics, style, and content development of Abstract Expressionism
• Identify the influences on Abstract Expressionism
• Discuss the social and political context of Abstract Expressionism
• Discuss the evolution and interpretations of Abstract Expressionism.
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 lecture, slide presentations and group discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. 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?
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Study day: Kandinsky, Mondrian and pure abstraction.
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.
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Iconography and iconology: secrets of the old masters revealedFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
