Time Schedule:
Lucienne D. Auz
ART H 309
Seattle Campus
Topics vary.
Class description
Visual Arts of Western Europe, 1960-1990s
This class will examine the visual arts of Western Europe from 1960 to the 1990s within the context of the broader international political, economic and cultural scene with a particular focus on the postwar European artists’ attempt to breakdown the art institution’s constructs of the artwork, artist, viewer, critic, and gallery. Beginning with a focus on the work of Italian Arte Povera artists in the 1960s, the course will move chronologically and thematically through various movements and trends, exploring internationally shared artistic practices and goals, and will conclude with a discussion of artists working in the 1990s. Discussion will also draw upon relevant parallels occurring in the United States at the time and will examine the global reception of artistic movements and individual artists’ works.
Student learning goals
This course aims to deepen appreciation and understanding of neo-avant-garde Western European art in the second half of the twentieth century.
Course readings of primary and secondary sources will develop awareness of how significant debates among art critics influenced the reception of these works and, in addition, will develop the skill of critical analysis when reading art historical writing.
Lectures will develop an understanding of a variety of artistic practices, both traditional and non-traditional, and will attempt to locate these practices within the framework that produced them.
Furthermore lectures and course assignments will develop the ability to discuss works of art through comprehension of art historical terminology and the cultivation of visual analysis and connoisseurship skills.
General method of instruction
Illustrated lectures and group discussions
Recommended preparation
None. Students new to art history are welcome.
Class assignments and grading
Paper assignment, presentation, course readings, participation, midterm, and final exam
