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How to use this content:
As listed on the “Start Here” page for this unit, one of the unit objectives is “Identify Key Historical Facts” This objective will be assessed by the unit quiz. While reading and watching the content in the following links and videos, make note of historical facts and information so you can return to them as needed when working on the unit quiz. Be on the lookout for names of artists, influential people, artworks, important events, trends and values in the culture.
Twentieth Century: Part 2
In response to Modernism’s focus on originality, formal experimentation, and the idea of the artist as a genius, another art movement tried to steer art in another direction: Post-Modernism. Post-Modernism is concept and idea-driven, in ways that challenge the viewer’s perceptions, invite the audience to be a participant, and resist common notions of what is art. I sometimes think of Post-Modernism as similar to poetry: it is often indirect, obtuse, and makes its point in creative and unexpected ways. Post-Modernism is often challenging and goes against the “rules” of art. If you are open to a challenge, if you like intellectual puzzles, if you can let go of expectations, these artworks can be some of the most interesting you will find.
Link #1: Contemporary Art
Link #2: Post-Modernism
Link #3: Cindy Sherman
Link #4: John Baldessari — One of my all time favorite artists.
Link #5: The Pictures Exhibition
Link #6: Kara Walker
Link #7: Ai Wei Wei
Link #8: Ai Wei Wei in Alcatraz
More Learning Resources
Remember, since we can’t cover everything about art in this class, these reading assignments are based on the choices I have made for what to include, but there is much more that has not been included. If you are interested in learning more, please remember that our primary source, the Khan Academy, has lots of other videos and articles that explore this time and culture even further. You can explore them at Khan Academy (Global Art) or SmartHistory (after 1980).