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Sophie Cavoulacos,
Erica Papernik-Shimizu,
Arièle Dionne-Krosnick,
Christian Rattemeyer,
and
Sean Anderson
What is contemporary art? In this course, you’ll consider this question through works of art made since 1980. Hear directly from artists, architects, and designers from around the globe about their creative processes, materials, and inspiration. You’ll look at 3D–printed glass and fiber sculptures, performances in a factory and a museum, portraits (including those made with artificial intelligence) and interventions into television and video games.
Read more
What is contemporary art? In this course, you’ll consider this question through works of art made since 1980. Hear directly from artists, architects, and designers from around the globe about their creative processes, materials, and inspiration. You’ll look at 3D–printed glass and fiber sculptures, performances in a factory and a museum, portraits (including those made with artificial intelligence) and interventions into television and video games.
Read more
What is contemporary art? In this course, you’ll consider this question through works of art made since 1980. Hear directly from artists, architects, and designers from around the globe about their creative processes, materials, and inspiration. You’ll look at 3D–printed glass and fiber sculptures, performances in a factory and a museum, portraits (including those made with artificial intelligence) and interventions into television and video games.
Not only will you develop a deeper understanding of how artists work today, you’ll also explore some of their approaches to the pressing issues and questions of our time. By taking this course, you’ll build skills for looking at contemporary art wherever you encounter it and make connections to your own life or creative practice.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/8zhjcc/what
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to What Is Contemporary Art?
Media from Television to the Internet
Territories & Transit
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to What Is Contemporary Art?
Media from Television to the Internet
Territories & Transit
Read more
Materials & Making
Agency
Power
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by a team of experts from top institutions and industry
Explores major ideas in contemporary art from a global perspective
Develops analytical skills for examining contemporary art
Covers multiple facets of contemporary art, including materials, techniques, and themes
Appropriate for learners with an interest in contemporary art, art history, or related fields
Save this course
Save What Is Contemporary Art? to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Art in the modern world
learners say this course is a great introduction to modern art, helping them understand different types of contemporary art and artists. The course is presented as a series of lessons, each focusing on a different aspect of contemporary art. They include topics like what contemporary art is, how it's made, and what it means. The lessons are taught by MoMA curators and artists, and they feature a variety of media, including videos, readings, and interactive exercises. The course is well-paced and easy to follow, and it's a great way to learn more about contemporary art.
Taught by knowledgeable and experienced MoMA curators and artists.
"Excellent course to take to understand the width, depth and the third dimension of Art."
"Really interesting course, giving the artists feeling while creating their project in a smooth way for eveyone to comprehend."
"I am very grateful for the opportunity to participete in this course, I learned a lot and understood more clearly the concept of contemporary art, Thanks a lot"
Uses a variety of engaging activities and resources to keep learners interested.
"Amazing job! Amazing course! Amazing Contemporary Art!"
"Great selections of artists . The course is full of videos, texts and interviews with the artists to delve into a beautiful journey of discovery of Contemporary Art."
"I really enjoyed it, especially having memory checks. This is something that I didn't have at art school and it would have been super useful."
Covers a wide range of contemporary artists, styles, and mediums.
"Excellent and really stimulated my thinking and artistic engagement."
"Fantastic course, learnt so much and really opened my eyes to the world of Art."
"This is a very complete course. Loved it!! Thank you so much!!"
Explores contemporary art's connection to current events and social issues.
"This course and other courses in this specialization by MoMA are so amazing."
"Loved this course and the exposure to the many incredible and ground-breaking pieces of art at MOMA."
"This course expanded my knowledge on contemporary art, artists, their art making process, and why they made their art."
Makes contemporary art more understandable and enjoyable.
"It's important to earn what is contemporary art."
"I broadened my perspective on what is contemporary art and the process behind it."
"Time well spend. Interesting selection of artists. Go for it - do it!"
Could provide more in-depth theoretical background on contemporary art.
"it is concrete, it explains from an artist perspective, from a curator perspective and leaves you to analyze art in a diverse way that is profound but at the sea time practical"
May not include enough diverse perspectives on contemporary art.
"I like what's in the course, but I don't like the fact that they don't censor the swear words, and there are dirty terms in here."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in What Is Contemporary Art? with these
activities:
Review key art movements since 1980
Show steps
Start the course with a strong foundation by reviewing the sequence of key art movements since 1980.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
-
Create a timeline of art movements since 1980
-
Identify the main characteristics and artists associated with each movement
-
Consider how these movements have influenced contemporary art
Explore artist websites and online exhibitions
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to explore the websites of contemporary artists and visit virtual exhibitions, providing a deeper understanding of their work.
Browse courses on
Art Appreciation
Show steps
-
Identify a group of contemporary artists whose work interests you
-
Visit the websites of these artists and explore their portfolios, biographies, and statements
-
Attend virtual exhibitions of their work and engage with the interactive features
-
Take notes on the techniques, materials, and inspirations of the artists
Join a study group to discuss contemporary art trends
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and expand your perspectives by participating in a study group focused on contemporary art trends.
Show steps
-
Find or form a study group with classmates or other interested individuals
-
Select a specific topic or theme related to contemporary art to focus on
-
Meet regularly to discuss readings, share insights, and engage in critical analysis
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review Hal Foster's 'Bad New Days'
Show steps
Gain valuable insights by reviewing Hal Foster's 'Bad New Days', which offers a critical examination of contemporary art and its relationship to social and political issues.
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on the main arguments and examples
-
Summarize Foster's key ideas and their implications for understanding contemporary art
-
Connect the book's concepts to the course materials and discussions
Mentor other students in the course
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding and contribute to the learning community by mentoring other students in the course.
Show steps
-
Identify a student who may benefit from your guidance
-
Offer support and answer questions related to the course materials
-
Provide constructive feedback on their assignments and projects
Create a video essay on a contemporary art topic
Show steps
Deepen your comprehension and critical thinking skills by creating a video essay that analyzes a topic related to contemporary art.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that resonates with you and research it thoroughly
-
Write a script that outlines your main arguments and supporting evidence
-
Record your video, ensuring clear audio and visuals
-
Edit your video, adding appropriate transitions, music, and graphics
Analyze contemporary artworks using critical thinking frameworks
Show steps
Further develop your analytical skills by applying critical thinking frameworks to the analysis of contemporary artworks.
Show steps
-
Review different critical thinking frameworks, such as formalism, Marxism, and feminism
-
Select a contemporary artwork and apply one or more frameworks to analyze its form, content, and significance
-
Write a short essay or presentation sharing your analysis and insights
Create an online portfolio of your own contemporary art project
Show steps
Demonstrate your creativity and skills by developing your own contemporary art project and creating an online portfolio to showcase it.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm and develop an idea for your contemporary art project
-
Experiment with different materials and techniques to create your artwork
-
Document your process and reflect on your creative choices
-
Build an online portfolio to present your project, including images, descriptions, and artist statement
Review key art movements since 1980
Show steps
Start the course with a strong foundation by reviewing the sequence of key art movements since 1980.
Browse courses on
Art History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a timeline of art movements since 1980
- Identify the main characteristics and artists associated with each movement
- Consider how these movements have influenced contemporary art
Explore artist websites and online exhibitions
Show steps
Follow guided tutorials to explore the websites of contemporary artists and visit virtual exhibitions, providing a deeper understanding of their work.
Browse courses on
Art Appreciation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a group of contemporary artists whose work interests you
- Visit the websites of these artists and explore their portfolios, biographies, and statements
- Attend virtual exhibitions of their work and engage with the interactive features
- Take notes on the techniques, materials, and inspirations of the artists
Join a study group to discuss contemporary art trends
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and expand your perspectives by participating in a study group focused on contemporary art trends.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or form a study group with classmates or other interested individuals
- Select a specific topic or theme related to contemporary art to focus on
- Meet regularly to discuss readings, share insights, and engage in critical analysis
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review Hal Foster's 'Bad New Days'
Show steps
Gain valuable insights by reviewing Hal Foster's 'Bad New Days', which offers a critical examination of contemporary art and its relationship to social and political issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on the main arguments and examples
- Summarize Foster's key ideas and their implications for understanding contemporary art
- Connect the book's concepts to the course materials and discussions
Mentor other students in the course
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding and contribute to the learning community by mentoring other students in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a student who may benefit from your guidance
- Offer support and answer questions related to the course materials
- Provide constructive feedback on their assignments and projects
Create a video essay on a contemporary art topic
Show steps
Deepen your comprehension and critical thinking skills by creating a video essay that analyzes a topic related to contemporary art.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that resonates with you and research it thoroughly
- Write a script that outlines your main arguments and supporting evidence
- Record your video, ensuring clear audio and visuals
- Edit your video, adding appropriate transitions, music, and graphics
Analyze contemporary artworks using critical thinking frameworks
Show steps
Further develop your analytical skills by applying critical thinking frameworks to the analysis of contemporary artworks.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review different critical thinking frameworks, such as formalism, Marxism, and feminism
- Select a contemporary artwork and apply one or more frameworks to analyze its form, content, and significance
- Write a short essay or presentation sharing your analysis and insights
Create an online portfolio of your own contemporary art project
Show steps
Demonstrate your creativity and skills by developing your own contemporary art project and creating an online portfolio to showcase it.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm and develop an idea for your contemporary art project
- Experiment with different materials and techniques to create your artwork
- Document your process and reflect on your creative choices
- Build an online portfolio to present your project, including images, descriptions, and artist statement
Career center
Learners who complete What Is Contemporary Art? will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Gallerist
Gallerist
Gallerists own and operate art galleries, where they exhibit and sell works of art. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art conservator
Art conservator
Art Conservators restore and preserve works of art. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art dealer
Art dealer
Art Dealers buy and sell works of art for profit. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Artist
Artist
Artists create works of art for sale or exhibition. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art Educator
Art Educator
Art Educators teach about art in schools, museums, and community centers. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art Consultant
Art Consultant
Art Consultants advise clients on the purchase and sale of art. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art Curator
Art Curator
Art Curators oversee the care and display of art collections in museums and galleries. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art historian
Art historian
Art Historians study the history of art, its techniques, and its cultural significance. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Museum Director
Museum Director
Museum Directors oversee the operations of museums, including planning exhibitions, managing staff, and fundraising. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Art Critic
Art Critic
Art Critics write about and evaluate contemporary art for newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Graphic designer
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts for a variety of purposes, including advertising, marketing, and web design. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Architect
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Web Designer
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Photographer
Photographer
Photographers take pictures for a variety of purposes, including art, journalism, and advertising. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
Writer
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including journalism, fiction, and poetry. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an overview of contemporary art and its history, as well as insights into the creative processes of artists.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8zhjcc/what
Reading list
We've selected 16 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
What Is Contemporary Art?.
Collection of essays by Terry Smith that explores the question of what contemporary art is. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the different definitions of contemporary art and the debates surrounding it.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the major art movements of the 20th century, including modernism, antimodernism, and postmodernism. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the historical context of contemporary art, including its origins and development.
Save
Collection of essays by leading scholars in contemporary art. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the different aspects of contemporary art, including its history, theory, and criticism.
Save
Explores the power of art to shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the different ways that art can be used to communicate, educate, and inspire.
Save
Provides a critical overview of the major theories that have been used to interpret contemporary art. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary art.
Collection of essays by leading art historians that explores the history of art history. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the different approaches to studying and writing about art.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of contemporary art, from the early 20th century to the present day. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn about the key movements, artists, and works of contemporary art.
Save
Collection of essays that explore the challenges and rewards of making art. It is written by two experienced artists, and it offers a wealth of wisdom and advice for aspiring artists.
Save
Practical guide to unlocking your creativity. It is written by an artist for artists, and it offers a wealth of advice and exercises to help you overcome blocks and reach your full potential.
Save
Motivational guide for artists. It explores the challenges that artists face, and it offers advice on how to overcome them.
Save
Guide to developing a creative habit. It is written by a world-renowned choreographer, and it offers a wealth of advice and exercises to help you unlock your creativity and achieve your goals.
Save
Motivational guide for creative people. It explores the importance of embracing your creativity, and it offers advice on how to overcome fear and self-doubt.
Collection of essays on the creative process. It is written by a world-renowned author, and it offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of making art.
Save
Collection of essays on writing and life. It is written by a world-renowned author, and it offers a wealth of wisdom and advice for aspiring writers.
Classic guide to writing style. It is written by two of the most respected writers in the English language, and it offers a wealth of advice on how to write clearly and effectively.
Classic guide to writing nonfiction. It is written by a world-renowned journalist and author, and it offers a wealth of advice on how to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/8zhjcc/what
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Museum of Modern Art
Instructors
Sophie Cavoulacos
Erica Papernik-Shimizu
Arièle Dionne-Krosnick
Christian Rattemeyer
Sean Anderson
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
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Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Bahasa Indonesia
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اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Modern and Contemporary Art and Design. It's comprised of four courses:
- Modern Art & Ideas
- Fashion as Design
- Seeing Through Photographs
- What Is Contemporary Art? (viewing)
Good to know
Taught by a team of experts from top institutions and industry
Explores major ideas in contemporary art from a global perspective
Develops analytical skills for examining contemporary art
Covers multiple facets of contemporary art, including materials, techniques, and themes
Appropriate for learners with an interest in contemporary art, art history, or related fields
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