The Neo Avant-Garde: art movements from 1950 to now
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: VB568
Duration: 10 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course explores the major art movements and critical theories which have influenced the making and reading of Western art since 1950. It will explore modern and postmodern art in its socio-cultural contexts including: the rise of consumerism; the growth and influence of feminism and postcolonialism; and the impact of information technologies and new media.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The course follows a broadly chronological survey of the major phases in modern art from 1950, including: late Modernist sculpture and post-painterly abstraction; from Pop Art to Postmodernism; Minimalism in sculpture and land art; conceptual art; critical Postmodernism; site-specific and installation art; institutional critique; Neo-Expressionist painting; relational aesthetics and participation.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Recognise different styles/types of modern art
- Describe works of modern art and express an informed personal response
- State how and why non-traditional materials are used in modern and contemporary art
- Demonstrate an awareness of feminist, postcolonial and postmodern critical theories
- Demonstrate an understanding of the socio-cultural contexts for modern 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 online with slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course; these handouts will be available online/digitally for download, not printed out for you.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. However, you may wish to buy some of the books on the reading list or visit some of the exhibitions recommended.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may like to take the other courses in this series on modern art:
VB140 / VB816 - Art evolutions: Pre-Raphaelites to Expressionism
VB141 / VB817 - Art evolutions: Post-Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism
You might also be interested in:
VB682 - Looking at contemporary art
VB155 / VB156 / VB157 - Contemporary art in London.
Christopher Collier trained as an artist, before gaining an MA in Cultural Studies at Goldsmiths and a PhD in Art History and Theory from the University of Essex. He has taught at institutions including the University of Essex, Cambridge School of Art, and Winchester School of Art, as well as presenting internationally at a range of workshops and conferences, including at the ICA, London and CCA, Glasgow. His broad range of interests includes the intersections of art and the more-than-human world, along with art's relations to wider political economy and cultural theory. He is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
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.