THAD H159

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ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM IN ART AND GLOBAL POLITICS

Theory and History of Art and Design Undergraduate

Terms Typically Offered

Fall, Spring

Academic Level

Undergraduate

Offering Department(s)

Theory and History of Art and Design

Min. Credits

Max. Credits

Weekly Contact Hours

Repeatable

This course will survey the emergence of an avant-garde in the United States during and after World War II. The focus will be on the personal struggles, artistic innovation, and overarching achievement of a handful of artists including Willem De Kooning, Jackson Pollock, David Smith, Robert Motherwell and Barnett Newman, whose work catapulted American art and artists onto the world stage. Concurrently we will examine the role of public and private criticism, especially the writings of Harold Rosenberg and Clement Greenberg. Additionally we will construct a view of contemporary society and the political leanings of artists and critics of the movement, as well as the concerted effort of the American State Department to showcase Abstract Expressionist work as visible proof of American freedoms during the Cold War. Open to sophomore and above.

Student Eligibility

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Students only.

Instructional Method

Lecture

Delivery Mode

In-Person