Apr 18, 2024  
2022-2023 University Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 University Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

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ARTH 195 - Introduction to Contemporary Art

3 Credit Hours


Looking at art made primarily during your lifetime, this course investigates what contemporary art is by looking at and talking about some of the most well-known artists. Artists are examined according themes, such as the use of technology, sexuality, and materialism. Takashi Murakami animated a Kanye West video, Eduardo Kac crossed the genes of a jellyfish with a rabbit and created a bunny that glows in the dark. Many artists create controversial art through the materials they use-such as encrusting a human skull with diamonds (Damien Hirst) making it the most expensive art work ever made or affixing elephant dung to a painting of the Madonna (Chris Ofili). Still other artists make art that addresses contemporary issues: Vik Muniz photographs people who must forage garbage dumps in order to survive and Betsy Damon makes art that purifies water.  Assignments include an art review, short papers, and discussions. No art or art history background is needed for this course-it is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to look at the images around them and understand their impact on society and themselves.

May not be taken for credit by students who have completed/will complete ARTH 419 - Themes in Contemporary Art .

Prerequisite(s): Junior and senior art or art history majors must have permission of instructor to enroll.

This course will satisfy the core area requirement in fine arts.



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