Modern Art

We will explore developments in art from the French Revolution in 1789 to the present day, examining the pendulum of artistic movements from both chronological and thematic viewpoints. The 19th century was a time when political instability, industrialization, imperialism and the growth of popular culture deeply impacted the expression of the “modern” experience. The 20th century yielded major avantgarde movements also reflecting cross-cultural influences, the importance of exhibition curating and design, and key manifestos and artist writings. We will highlight the multiplicity of media characterizing modernism, with a peek into new media and priorities of the 21st century, demonstrating various ways of analyzing an artwork, its formal aspects as well as its historical, social, and cultural significance for the artist and the viewer.