ARH 354: Modern and Contemporary Art

Instructor
Simone Ciglia
Course Description

This course introduces students to modern and contemporary art, considered historically, theoretically, and in the context of London, a global cultural center. The class explores major developments in modern and contemporary art and theory, as well as the ever-shifting relations between art, architecture, and the city from the Industrial Revolution to present-day society. It is clustered by way of three key periods/themes: 1) Empire, Collection, & Display; 2) Midcentury Modernism and Postmodernism; and 3) Art & Architecture Under Advanced Capitalism. In addition to learning about pivotal movements, figures, and theories within 20th and 21st century art history, students engage with numerous examples of art and architecture throughout the city of London.