Free online courseContemporary Art Trends

Course Description

The course "Contemporary Art Trends" offered by is an in-depth exploration of avant-garde movements and seminal figures that have shaped the landscape of modern art. With a total duration of 24 hours and 51 minutes, this immersive program has garnered an impressive average rating of 5 out of 5 stars, reflecting its high quality and the excellence of its pedagogy. The course falls under the Design and Art category, specifically within the subcategory of Drawing and Painting, and is instructed by the distinguished Jon Anderson.

The journey begins with an introduction to the avant-garde, setting the stage for an understanding of groundbreaking artistic movements. Here, students encounter foundational concepts that challenge traditional notions of art. The course then delves into the tumultuous world of postmodern strategies, exemplified by the action-packed canvases of Jackson Pollock, which redefined the physical engagement of artists with their work.

The spiritual crisis faced by abstract expressionists like Mark Rothko is another focal point, presenting a deep dive into the existential and emotional turmoil expressed through color field painting. Complementing this is an examination of Clement Greenberg's aesthetics and the Post-Painterly Abstraction movement, characterized by a more detached, formalist approach.

Minimalism, with its fully present objects, further enriches the curriculum as it strips art down to its most essential forms and materials, encouraging viewers to engage on a more elemental level. The legacy of Marcel Duchamp is explored through the works of Robert Rauschenberg and John Cage, emphasizing the intersection of art and everyday life.

The interactions between Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns highlight a critical dialogue within contemporary art, underscoring the blend of personal and cultural commentary. Andy Warhol's exploration of mass media and consumer culture provides a bridge to understanding art in the context of a rapidly changing society.

Conceptual Art is introduced as a realm where traditional aesthetic and material concerns are replaced by ideas and linguistic play. This theme of mixed messages and undecidability continues in the exploration of postmodern strategies, emphasizing the fragmented, often contradictory nature of contemporary existence.

The course also covers the Expanded Field of sculpture, where site constructions, marked sites, and axiomatic structures expand the boundaries of artistic practice. Performance Art, as an articulation of contemporary liturgies, explores the body as a site of belief and social engagement, and continues with a focus on its role within social spaces and discourses of knowledge.

Contemporary Laments examines art's response to current human conditions, providing a poignant update on societal and individual struggles. The final segments of the course, titled "What's Going on Today," present a comprehensive overview of the current trends and prevailing themes in today's art world.

"Contemporary Art Trends" by provides a thorough and nuanced understanding of the critical developments in modern and contemporary art. Through the expert guidance of Jon Anderson, students are equipped with the knowledge to appreciate and critique the rich tapestry of contemporary artistic practices.