Key Terms & Points Of View In Latin American Visual Arts

Module description

The module consists of a close study of cultural issues through visual information presented in selected artistic practices such as movements, trends and, in particular, key critical concepts and works by specific artists. All these will be analysed in their interrelation within the cultural history of Modern Latin America (late 19^th to early 21^st Centuries).

The selection of works, aesthetic tendencies and key terms to be studied may vary from one academic year to the other. Among the main topics to be covered are the works of female and male artists such as the Uruguayan Joaquín Torres García, the Mexican Frida Kahlo, the Peruvian Jorge Eduardo Eielson, the Cuban Ana Mendieta And the Colombian Doris Salcedo.

Assessment details

Attendance at 2 x one hour weekly classes; attendance at two gallery visits; one tutorial essay (2000 words) (40%); one tutorial essay (2000 words) (60%)

Educational aims & objectives

It is designed (a) to build conceptual bridges between current debates surrounding the study of the visual arts and those within the study of literature and other cultural forms; (b) to explore the application of recent and revised critical tools to the visual work of well-known and also little-known artists; and (c) to contrast critically the characteristics of specific works of art with others belonging to related artistic tendencies in order to challenge standardised practices of definition.

Learning outcomes

In their use of conceptual tools for the study or discussion of cultural issues, students will be able to move between and articulate notions acquired during their training on verbal analysis to those applied for the analysis of visual information. Students will be able to command alternative approaches to the study of culture that differ from the standard art history model. Students will also be able to, culturally and historically, discuss contemporary issues tackled by visual production related to Latin American and the modern world. 

Teaching pattern

Two hours per week 

Suggested reading list

There are no core texts for this module. Specific bibliographical information will be provided by the module tutor

Module description disclaimer

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Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.