Introduction to Contemporary Art

The Idea & the Object

With Grace Adam & Joshua White

Day One.

Morning Lecture: From Abstraction to Action - The Swinging Sixties to the Electric Eighties.

An introduction to the key artists, concepts, movements and works that shaped western art after Modernism.

Afternoon: A visit to Tate Modern

Tate Modern, home to international modern and contemporary art. We will explore the collections, and there will be opportunity to discuss the morning’s artists and ideas, and to see examples.

Day Two.

Morning: A Visit to the Serpentine Galleries

Viewing of David Hockney - A Year In Normandie And Some Other Thoughts About Painting in Kensington Gardens. We will also see painter Cecily Brown’s exhibition, Picture Making, and explore this year’s summer pavilion by Mexico City’s LANZA atelier.

Afternoon: A Visit to West End Commercial Galleries

Back in the West End, we will have the opportunity to experience an auction preview and visit commercial galleries along Bond Street and Cork Street, providing us with the opportunity to view the latest works by significant, contemporary artists and to hear some brief introductions by the galleries about their work.

Day Three.

Morning Lecture: Identity, Environment and Globalisation - 1980 to the present.

An introduction to key players, ideas and pluralism that characterises the last few decades.   

Afternoon: A Visit to Tate Britain

A walk through the home of British contemporary art to explore sculpture, painting, installation and commissioned art including a mural and outdoor sculpture.

Locations: Lectures will take place in The Garden Room at Grosvenor Chapel in London’s Mayfair,. 24 South Audley St, London W1K 2PA.

We will also be visiting Tate Modern and Britain, The Serpentine Galleries and commercial galleries in the West End.

Price: £450. This includes lecture notes, handouts, tea and coffee.