Art & Art History

'Modern Art’ is perhaps one of the most freighted labels, both a descriptive term and pseudo insult. But what made art ‘Modern’, what indeed is ‘modernity’ and how does such a seemingly sociological phenomenon affect the art world? This course seeks to engage participants with the ideas of ‘modernity’ and to encourage critical thinking so as to challenge conventional narratives regarding ‘Modern Art’.

The course takes 1900 as its starting point, considering the work of the later Post-Impressionists and continues to consider the impact of the Great War, post war world, the rise of totalitarianism, surrealism, expressionism, abstract and pop art. This comprehensive approach will allow students to appreciate the links between styles and approaches and encourages lateral thought so as to better understand artistic cause and effect.

This course features a session in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, in week 7, during which we will explore some key works of art in detail.

Please note that the end date for this course is 25 April 2023 and that there will be no classes on 28 March & 4 April.

Number of Meetings

10

Course Leader

Ed Williams

CRN 25406 / CEPD4000

Course Fees

Course Fee: Full Fee: £132 | Concession: £66

Portraits have served many functions throughout the history of art: to record likeness and commemorate events, to forge identity and reinforce power. This short course looks at the portrait as artistic manifesto, addressing a selection of works which reflect the artistic aims of their creators. Representing a visual equivalent for the written manifestos that characterize Modernism, such works help to shape creative style and identity, define movements, and promote avant-garde ideals and practices. We will consider a number of artists and works, paying particular attention to periods and movements that made especial use of this form of portrait, such as late nineteenth-century Modernism and 1970s Feminism.
 

Number of Meetings

1

Course Leader

Dr. Anna Maddison

CRN 25408 / CEPD4000

Course Fees

Course Fee: £26