We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Modern Art & Ideas

Lisa Mazzola

4.8

Based on 6,498 ratings

, see reviews

Lisa Mazzola

Modern Art & Ideas is designed for anyone interested in learning more about modern and contemporary art. You will look at art through a variety of themes, including Places and Spaces, Art and Identity, Transforming Everyday Objects, and Art and Society.

Each week kicks off with a video that connects key works of art to the theme. You’ll also have access to interviews with artists, designers, and others who speak about their materials, processes, and sources of inspiration. Through the discussion forum prompts you will also have the opportunity to connect with other learners and explore how these themes resonate with you.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to Modern Art & Ideas

Be introduced to some of the overall benefits of studying modern and contemporary art through accessible and relevant themes.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Lisa Mazzola, who are recognized for their work in modern and contemporary art

Examines the representation of place and how artists take inspiration from their environment

Develops skills in exploring, expressing, and questioning identity through art

Transforms everyday objects into art, challenging assumptions about the nature of art and its creation

Explores art's response to social, cultural, and political issues, fostering critical thinking and historical understanding

Introduces learners to the benefits and themes of studying modern and contemporary art

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Engaging thematic introduction to modern art

According to students, "Modern Art & Ideas" from MoMA is a largely positive and engaging introduction to modern and contemporary art. Many learners appreciate the course's structure around accessible themes like identity and everyday objects, finding the high-quality videos and artist interviews particularly insightful and well-produced. Students say the course provides a solid foundation and is well-suited for beginners with no prior art history background. While widely praised for accessibility, some learners with prior knowledge felt it occasionally lacked depth in certain areas. The course encourages reflection and forum discussions, making complex ideas approachable.

Connect with others on themes

"I enjoyed reading others' perspectives and sharing my own thoughts in the forum discussions."

"The forum prompts were thought-provoking and helped me think deeper about the art."

"Connecting with other learners added another layer to the experience, though participation varied."

Provides a solid foundation

"This course was perfect for someone like me with absolutely no prior art history background."

"It gave me a really good starting point for exploring and appreciating modern art."

"I felt comfortable jumping in even as a complete novice to the subject matter."

Videos and interviews are insightful

"The artist interviews added so much value; hearing directly from creators was inspiring."

"The videos were really well produced with great visuals and kept me engaged the whole time."

"I found the interviews with artists, designers, and curators particularly insightful and well-chosen."

Broad themes make art approachable

"I found the thematic approach made understanding modern art much easier than a chronological one."

"Loved how they connected art to everyday life through themes like identity and objects."

"Breaking the content down by themes made it feel very accessible and relevant to my own life."

May be too basic for some

"While engaging, I wished some topics went into more detail than they did."

"It felt a bit superficial at times if you already have some art background."

"I think it could use more in-depth coverage on certain movements or artists presented."

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 Modern Art & Ideas with these activities:

Explore Online Resources and Documentaries

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of modern art by exploring reputable online resources and documentaries.

Browse courses on Online Resources

Show steps

Search for online resources and documentaries on modern art
Review the content, taking notes on key concepts and ideas
Reflect on how the resources enhanced your understanding

Read "Modern Art: A Critical Introduction"

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of the historical and theoretical foundations of modern art.

Show steps

Read the assigned chapters in the book
Summarize the main points of each chapter
Identify the key concepts and theories discussed in the book
Connect the book's content to the course material

Attend a Museum or Gallery Talk

Show steps

Gain firsthand knowledge and insights by attending a museum or gallery talk on modern art.

Browse courses on Modern Art

Show steps

Identify a museum or gallery offering talks on modern art
Attend the talk and actively engage with the speaker
Reflect on the key points and insights gained from the talk

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Analyze Artworks Critically

Show steps

Refine your ability to analyze and interpret artworks to deepen your understanding of the course material.

Show steps

Choose an artwork to analyze
Research the artist and the context of the artwork
Identify the elements and principles of art used in the artwork
Interpret the artwork's meaning and significance

Organize a Group Discussion

Show steps

Engage in lively discussions with your peers to share perspectives and deepen your understanding of modern art and its themes.

Show steps

Identify a topic or theme related to modern art
Facilitate a group discussion, ensuring all participants contribute
Summarize the key points and insights gained from the discussion

Gather Inspiration from Modern Artists

Show steps

Expand your creative horizons by gathering inspiration from the works and artistic approaches of prominent modern artists.

Show steps

Research modern artists and their unique styles and techniques
Collect images, articles, or videos that showcase their work
Organize your collection into a digital or physical compilation
Reflect on the inspiration you gained from the compilation

Create an Art History Timeline

Show steps

Develop a deeper understanding of the chronological development of modern art by creating a visual representation of its key movements and artists.

Browse courses on Art History

Show steps

Research different art historical periods and movements
Identify significant artists and artworks from each period
Create a timeline that visually represents the development of modern art

Career center

Learners who complete Modern Art & Ideas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Museum Exhibition Designer

Museum Exhibition Designers use their knowledge of museum studies and fine art to create exhibitions that tell stories and engage the public. Modern Art & Ideas may be especially useful for those who wish to plan exhibitions on modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Exhibition Designer

Art historian

Art Historians research, analyze, and interpret art from all periods of history, including modern and contemporary art. This course may be especially useful for Art Historians who wish to specialize in modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art historian

Art Curator

Art Curators are responsible for planning and managing art exhibitions in museums, galleries, and other public spaces. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Art Curators, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Curator

Art dealer

Art Dealers buy and sell works of art, and advise clients on building and managing their art collections. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Art Dealers who wish to specialize in modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art dealer

Art Critic

Art Critics write about and review art exhibitions and works of art, often for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. This course may be especially useful for Art Critics who wish to specialize in modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Critic

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts and designs for a variety of media, including print, web, and motion graphics. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Graphic Designers who wish to specialize in designing for the art world, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Museum Educator

Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and activities for museum visitors of all ages. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Museum Educators who wish to specialize in modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

Art conservator

Art Conservators preserve and restore works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and other objects. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Art Conservators who wish to specialize in modern art, as it provides an overview of different materials and techniques used in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art conservator

Photographer

Photographers take and develop photographs for a variety of purposes, including art, journalism, and advertising. This course may be especially useful for Photographers who wish to specialize in photographing art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Art Therapist

Art Therapists use art as a means of therapy to help people express themselves, cope with emotional challenges, and improve their mental health. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Art Therapists who wish to specialize in working with clients who are interested in modern art, as it provides an overview of different themes and movements in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Therapist

Interior designer

Interior Designers plan and design the interior spaces of buildings, including homes, offices, and public spaces. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Interior Designers who wish to specialize in designing spaces that incorporate modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Architects who wish to specialize in designing buildings that incorporate modern art, as it provides an overview of different materials and techniques used in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Fashion Designers who wish to specialize in designing clothing that incorporates modern art, as it provides an overview of different materials and techniques used in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Jewelry Designer

Jewelry Designers create and design jewelry. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Jewelry Designers who wish to specialize in designing jewelry that incorporates modern art, as it provides an overview of different materials and techniques used in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Jewelry Designer

Sculptor

Sculptors create three-dimensional works of art from a variety of materials, including stone, metal, and wood. This course may be especially useful for aspiring Sculptors who wish to specialize in creating modern art, as it provides an overview of key themes and movements in modern art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sculptor

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read two articles that feature Modern Art & Ideas:

Culture & The Humanities

23 minute read

50 Online Courses for the New Year: What Will You Learn in 2019?

5 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Modern Art & Ideas.

Design and Crime (And Other Diatribes)

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of modern and contemporary art, covering various artistic movements, themes, and key works. It offers a solid foundation for understanding the content explored in the course.

Modern Art & Ideas

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engaging thematic introduction to modern art

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

Share

Similar courses