Students in this course will enjoy looking at typical works of 20th century art, from cubism to pop art. There are no correct answers in art. The first step in enjoying art is to look at the work and openly express in words what you felt, and to deepen that by sharing with others. Therefore, students in this course will actively take part in group work consisting of proactively viewing art, and workshops for producing simple works. Students will learn through these activities the opinions of other students, and to understand art works from multiple perspectives. The instructor will also provide required knowledge including the historical backdrop of that time.
This course has two aims. The first is for students to learn the ability to appreciate art. The second is for students to learn knowledge about typical works of 20th century art. With these appreciation skills and knowledge, students will be able to enjoy any exhibit they attend in the future. In addition, by receiving training in art appreciation, students should be able to learn communication skills for convincingly expressing their own thoughts to others.
Students will learn the following skills from taking this course.
1) Learn the pleasure of actively appreciating works of art, and learn to face new works without flinching
2) Be able to explain the historical trends of 20th century art, including the cultural and social backdrop of that time
3) Be able to express one's own sensual impressions in an analytic and comprehensive manner
4) Be able to understand art works in a multifaceted way through discussions with others
Art, Western art, workshop
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
One topic will generally be covered for two classes. One class consists of 30 to 60 minutes of group discussion or workshop (work production), and the rest is lecture.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction - How to enjoy works of art | Understand the difference between appreciating a work and interpreting a work. |
Class 2 | Cubism (1) - Appreciating Pablo Picasso's paintings | Explain and realize the effects of cubism. |
Class 3 | Cubism (2) - Background and development of cubism | Explain the influence of contemporary philosophy and science on cubism. |
Class 4 | Abstract painting (1) - Appreciating Kazimir Malevich's paintings | Understand the difference between an abstract painting and a representational painting. |
Class 5 | Abstract painting (2) - Workshop | Make your own visual language and realize its effect. |
Class 6 | Abstract expressionism (1) - Appreciating Jackson Pollock's paintings | Explain the difference between an abstract painting and abstract expressionism. |
Class 7 | Abstract expressionism (2) - Reception of abstract expressionism | Explain the meaning of abstract expressionism as the first American art movement. |
Class 8 | Conceptual art (1) - Appreciating Yoko Ono's pieces | Explain and realize the meaning of conceptual art. |
Class 9 | Conceptual art (2) - Development of conceptual art | Explain the social impact of conceptual art. |
Class 10 | Dadaism and surrealism | Explain the influence of World War I on artistic expression. |
Class 11 | Neo-Dada (1) - Appreciating Robert Rauschenberg's paintings | Explain the difference between Dada and Neo-Dada. |
Class 12 | Neo-Dada (2) - Background and development of Neo-Dada | Explain Neo-Dada from a social and cultural point of view. |
Class 13 | Pop art (1) - Appreciating Andy Warhol's pieces | Explain and realize the meaning of pop art. |
Class 14 | Pop art (2) - Development of pop art | Explain the development of pop art in China. |
Class 15 | Presentation | Visit an exhibition and report how you felt and what you found. |
No textbook is set. This course places emphasis on the active appreciation of works of art rather than studying through textbooks.
All materials used in class can be found on OCW-i.
Group work and workshop: 30% Exhibition report: 70%
None required.
ito.a.ah[at]m.titech.ac.jp
Instructor’s office: West Bldg. 9, Rm 913, 9 Fl. Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.