Issues In Global Contemporary Art

AY2024/2025 Semester 2

This course will introduce you to an overview of selected key concepts and problems that characterize contemporary art as a platform for the production of critical thinking. You will learn about the significance of current trends and topics in the field of contemporary art history, particularly in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. This course will provide a foundation for advanced studies in contemporary art history and theory. Contemporary Art Issues: You will learn how to identify the current trends and topics in the field of contemporary art history, e.g. relational aesthetics, conceptual art, site-specificity, socially-engaged art, participatory art and ethics in performance practices. Contemporary Art Concepts, Artists, and Artworks: You will learn about key concepts and theories by contemporary art theorists and critics. and learn to recognize significant artists and artworks that are introduced as case studies. Writing a Research Paper: You will learn how to write a thesis statement, present your ideas in class, and develop your research topic with the use of appropriate art historical vocabulary and specific artist/artwork examples. Class assignments: Class exercises, assignments, and discussions designed in a progressive sequence leading to a 8-10 page final research paper. Assignments include producing fieldnotes and/or writing reviews of exhibitions.