Introduction to Latin American art
Course Code: VB666
Duration: 6 sessions (over 7 weeks)
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What is the course about?
This course is an introductory survey of the art of Latin America. The term 'Latin America' covers a vast amount of cultures and geography. As an introductory class we can only focus on a few regions, mostly in Central and South America. It places focus on the arts of Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia and Brazil as well as the art and artists that connect themselves with Latin American diaspora.
The foundation of this course are the indigenous cultures of these regions. After looking at indigenous cultures including the Olmec, Maya, Diaguita and Inca the course moves into the colonial period to examine how art and culture changed through European force. We then see how revolutionaries used art to create cultural identity and resistance in the independence movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Throughout the class we explore the influence of these various factors on modern and contemporary artists like Tarsila do Amaral, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Marta Minujín, Doris Salcedo, Ana Mendieta, Lygia Clark, Clarissa Tossin, Rosana Paulino, Carolina Caycedo and Guillermo Gómez-Peña.
We also think about the culture concepts presented by museums, archeology and colonial history and how they might have shaped our notions of Latin American art, past and present. We even call into question the term 'Latin America' as a descriptor. Overall, the purpose of the course is to develop a foundational knowledge of the complex and fascinating issues present in the art of the cultures and artists who are related to this vast region of our world.
What will we cover?
• Archaeology, museums and piecing together a Latin American history
• Indigenous cultures, spiritual practices and the art produced
• Colonial force and the appropriation of symbols and beliefs
• Political and artistic revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries
• Post-colonialism and diaspora (terms which will be defined and explored in class).
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Describe the style and general subject matter of at least two modern and/or contemporary artists covered in the course
• Discuss some of the visual characteristics and/or symbols of some of the indigenous cultures covered in the course
• Explain what post-colonialism is and how it shows up in 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.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion. There will be handouts provided by your tutor; these handouts will be available digitally via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.
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 provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Introduction to the Tate Modern
Change must come: art, politics and society.
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor Coordinator for City Lit's Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah's current research is focused on translation and empathy.
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.
