The Art of Now: Understanding Contemporary Art
Overview of the Course
Are you curious about contemporary art but find it elusive or difficult to understand? Perhaps you’ve walked through a museum or gallery and wondered what makes certain artworks so significant, or why some artists receive global recognition while others remain obscure. Contemporary art is a constantly evolving field that reflects the complexities of our modern world, blending history, technology, and social issues into innovative forms of expression. This engaging course, presented by Dr. Ben Street, noted author and Art Historian, will guide you through the dynamic world of contemporary art, making sense of its ideas, forms, and impact on today's culture. Whether you're an art lover, collector, student, or simply intrigued by the ever-evolving creative landscape, this course will help you navigate and appreciate contemporary art like never before. Through insightful discussions, historical perspectives, and in-depth case studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of how contemporary art shapes and responds to the world we live in.
To complement this course, Ben will lead an exclusive two-day visit to Art Basel (Basel) in June, one of the world’s most prestigious international art fairs. This is a unique opportunity to experience contemporary art firsthand, engage with leading artists and gallerists, and immerse yourself in the global art market. Participants can choose to enrol in both the course and the tour or opt for either independently.
Don’t miss this chance to demystify contemporary art and experience it in its most exciting forms. Contact us today for payment details and registration.
Duration
5 week online course (One, 1 -hour session per week via Zoom)
2 day Art Basel Tour
Dates
14, 21, 28, May, 4, 11 June 2025 (online course)
Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June, Art Basel Tour
Time
18.30. - 19.30pm (BST)online course
Art Basel Tour - Day 1 - 10.00am - 15.30pm
- Day 2 - 10.00am - 15.30pm
Fee
€1800 course and Art Basel tour (purchase online)
5 week course €500 (contact us for payment)
2 day Art Basel Tour €1500 (contact us for payment)
For those who have joined our mailing list there is a €500 discount
Session 1 What is Contemporary Art?
Contemporary art is more than just what’s happening now—it has deep historical roots. We will explore how art evolved after World War II, shifting from traditional methods to radical new approaches in making, displaying, and interpreting art. Learn about the rise of contemporary art museums, the power of galleries, and the ever-expanding secondary market. Discover artists like Andy Warhol, Ai Weiwei, Maurizio Cattelan, and Kara Walker, whose work continues to redefine the art world.
Session 2 New Forms of Art
What does contemporary art look like today? This session explores groundbreaking forms such as installation art, video art, land art, performance, and post-internet art. Understand how technology has influenced artistic practices and how these new forms provide a global perspective on the human experience. Featuring artists like Do-Ho Suh, Yoko Ono, Robert Smithson, and Amalia Ulman, we will uncover how contemporary artists push boundaries and redefine creativity..
Session 3 What Happened to Painting?
In an era dominated by digital media, painting has not only survived but thrived. This session examines how artists have reinvented painting’s role in contemporary art and why it remains a powerful medium today. Discover the vibrant works of Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Gerhard Richter, Julie Mehretu, and Tracey Emin as we explore painting’s resilience and relevance in today’s world.
Session 4 Art and Contemporary Ideas
Art is not just about aesthetics—it is deeply connected to the issues shaping our world. From environmental concerns to identity, race, gender, and economics, contemporary artists engage with pressing social and political themes. Through the works of David Hammons, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Nan Goldin, and Glen Ligon, we will discuss how contemporary art becomes a platform for dialogue and change.
Session 5 Where is Contemporary Art?
Art is no longer confined to museums and galleries. Today, we experience art through biennials, triennials, online platforms, artist-run spaces, and alternative venues. This session investigates how contemporary artists respond to these unique cultural spaces and how art institutions adapt to the changing landscape. Featuring artists like Allora & Calzadilla, Hans Haacke, and Rikrit Tiravanija, we explore the ever-expanding spaces where contemporary art thrives.
Art Basel Tour
The two day Art Basel tour starts in the mornings around 10.00 - 12.30. break for lunch and continue from 14.00 - 15.30 which leaves you some free-time to look around the fair.
Lecturer’s Biography
Dr Ben Street
Dr. Ben Street is an art historian, educator and the author of numerous books, including "How to Enjoy Art" (Yale, 2021) and the award-winning children's book "How to be an Art Rebel" (Thames and Hudson, 2021). He has been a lecturer and educator for the National Gallery, Tate, Dulwich Picture Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and is a contributing writer to Gagosian Quarterly, Art Review, Apollo and the Times Literary Supplement.
