VSA4054

Twentieth-century Australian modernism

Leigh Astbury

10 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives Upon completion of this subject students will be able to contextualise the development of modernism in terms of larger issues such as gender, race and urbanism; be able to assess critically the relative importance of regional and international factors; have explored the inter-relationship between the manifestations of modernism in different media.

Synopsis A study of the art, architecture and ideologies of modernism from federation to the 1960s. The different manifestations of modernism in Melbourne and Sydney will inevitably be addressed. Special areas for attention include the identification of the contribution of Australian women, the influence of Aboriginal art and the iconography of the modern city, and modernist photography.

Assessment First seminar paper (2000 words): 25%
* Second seminar paper (2000 words): 35%
* Essay (3500 words): 40%

Preliminary reading

Eagle M Australian modern painting between the wars 1914-1939 Bay, 1990
McQueen H The black swan of trespass Alternative Publishing Cooperative, 1979