VSA2150

The Other Side of the Avante-Garde: Twentieth Century Women's Art History ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Annette Van den Bosch

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: The unit examines the different forms of art practice and career structures of women artists in Europe and America in the twentieth century. The content covers the distinctive themes and imagery of women artists, questions concerning the nature of historical evidence in art history, the critical reception of women's art and their representation in museums. The unit will address feminist aesthetics and themes in women's art practice such as the representation of the body, expressionist and surrealist tendencies, documentary photography, sculpture and architectural practice, abstraction, colour and pattern painting, political, feminist and post-colonial art practices.

Objectives: This subject aims to enable students to examine key concepts, artists and artworks in twentieth century women's international art history in relation to feminist aesthetic theories. Upon successful completion of this subject students will be able to: 1. Analyse twentieth century women's imagery and art practices. 2. Understand concepts in feminist and critical theory of the representation of sexual difference, psychoanalysis and the gaze, the nude and the body, race, ethnicity and cultural identity. 3. Locate their writing practice in relation to the feminist critique of history and new research and methodologies in women's art history. 4. Develop a perception of the differences in careers and reputations of women artists to their male peers'. 5. Address the question of the representation of women in museums and galleries.

Assessment: Essay (3000 words): 60% + Visual analysis test (1 hour): 40%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Visual Culture or Women's Studies

Prohibitions: VSA3150