CONTEMPORARY ART HISTORY II

The class will provide the core knowledge for the study of contemporary art history, focusing on the main movements, artists and exhibitions of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artistic personalities, artworks, trends and exhibitions will be examined in their cultural-historical connection from diachronic and synchronic perspectives and in relation with their historical, social and cultural contexts of provenience.
The course is addressed at students whose last names begin with a letter included between M and Z. No exceptions or transfer to or from other partitions will be allowed.
The 12 ECTS course is divided into two modules, each consisting of 6 ECTS. Students who have both modules in their study plan are required to take both modules within the same academic year, otherwise any partial module taken will be forfeited. Students are strongly encouraged (but not required) to give the exams in a chronological order, thus first Module I then Module II.

The course will provide an in-depth knowledge of the art history from the 20th and 21st centuries, introducing students to key artists, works and texts regulating the contemporary art system.
The main objective of the course is to enhance skills in the following fields:
- to recognize the works and artists discussed in class and place them in a proper theoretical, historical and cultural context
- to develop critical skills and analyze an artwork within its historical context and from multiple perspectives, including its technical, iconographic and stylistic features
- to strengthen communication skills and acquire a vocabulary appropriate to the given context

There are no pre-requirements. A preliminary knowledge of the arts of the 20th and 21st centuries will be helpful

The module will offer an investigation into the contemporary art from an historical perspective and in an international context. A comparative analysis of the topics addressed in class will be conducted within a period spanning from the mid-20th century to the present day.

Notes taken in class.
The second half (1945-2015) of the handbook: H. Foster, R. Krauss, Y. Bois, B. Buchloh, D. Joselit, Arte dal 1900: modernismo, antimodernismo, postmodernismo, edited by Elio Grazioli, Bologna, Zanichelli, 2016 (or any previous edition)
Further material will be provided at the beginning of the course
Mandatory complementary reading for non-attending students: Lea Vergine, L’arte in trincea, Milano, Skira, 1996 (or following editions)

Two-hour written exam.
1) Four artworks, among the ones commented in class and included in the uploaded slides, to be recognised, contextualised and commented.
2) Two open questions about artists, artworks and topics presented in class.
The use of books, notes, and electronic devices is not allowed during the exam.

Lessons open to the discussions and commentaries of the slides and texts presented in class.
Talks with and presentation by invited guests.
The material presented in class will be available on the Moodle e-learning platform together with additional sources.

Students with Special Educational Needs are invited to contact the Inclusivity Service at Ca' Foscari before the beginning of the course.

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