The narrative of modern and contemporary art in India is characterised by shifting socio-political climates and reflections on the subcontinent’s past. Spanning the colonial period from the late 19th–early 20th century to the present day, this Short Course will give you an insight into this complex history and introduce you to the examples of the major art schools and movements across the country through a series of engaging videos and illustrated texts. These lessons delve into topics such as the emergence of abstraction, the rise of artist collectives and the history of photography. Our approach attempts to be inclusive by thinking beyond cosmopolitan centres and shedding light on artists who have otherwise been marginalised.
Through this, you will:
- Learn about key artists, artworks and exhibitions, and how they have responded to and engaged with both regional and global art contexts.
- Develop a wider appreciation for how the past shapes the present in the context of art.
- Understand how a single artwork can be interpreted in multiple ways.
- Gain insight into important historical events and contemporary happenings through the help of visual mediums.
- Understand the basic functioning of the art world and institutions.
Who wrote the course?
This course is authored by Dr Beth Citron who specialises in modern and contemporary art from South Asia and has taught courses and organised exhibitions in this field in New York and South Asia. She holds a PhD in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania and has taught in the Art History Department at New York University (NYU), where she also earned her BA in Fine Arts. She is the former Artistic Director of Education and Provenance of Terrain.art, who are partners on the course.
Who is the course for?
This course is open to all, irrespective of your educational or professional background.
