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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.

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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.

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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.
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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

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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
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"
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
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
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Show all seven activities
Analyze Artworks Critically
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Featured in The Course Notes

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

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.
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.
Offers a critical examination of modern art, exploring its historical context, theoretical underpinnings, and the debates surrounding its significance. It provides a valuable perspective for those seeking a deeper understanding of modern art's complexities.
This classic book offers a sweeping overview of modern art through the lens of cultural and historical change. It provides a compelling narrative that connects art to broader social and political developments.
Explores the theoretical underpinnings of modern and contemporary art, examining the ideas and writings of influential thinkers and critics. It provides valuable insights into the intellectual context that shaped the art discussed in the course.
Examines how artists have explored issues of identity through their work, aligning with the course's module on Art & Identity.
A concise and engaging introduction to modern art, written by the acclaimed art critic John Berger.
This reader presents a collection of essays that explore the complex relationship between visual culture and society. It examines the ways in which images and visual representations shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.
This comprehensive history book provides a global perspective on art, covering various civilizations and cultures throughout history. It offers a valuable context for understanding the development of modern and contemporary art discussed in the course.
Provides a theoretical analysis of modernity and postmodernity, examining their cultural, political, and economic dimensions. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the broader context within which modern art emerged and developed.
This comprehensive encyclopedia of art provides a broad overview of art history, from ancient to contemporary times. It serves as a valuable reference for students seeking to expand their knowledge of art beyond the scope of the course.
This contemporary art book showcases a diverse range of drawing practices from around the world. It offers valuable insights into the contemporary relevance of drawing and its relationship to other art forms.

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