From the Death of the Author to the Birth of Youtube: Identity in Contemporary Art

3 units

What constitutes an artist today, when anyone can upload his or her musings to the entire world? Is the question even relevant? This course will introduce students to the construction of artistic identity in contemporary art. Students will consider major themes governing the production of contemporary art. We will cover such topics as the death of the author and the end of art, identity politics and authenticity, and the effects of new media on the construction of artistic persona. This course assumes a basic familiarity with the methods of art history, as well as general knowledge of art history before 1960. Prerequisites: Introduction to Western Art or Introduction to Modern Art and one 300-level course in art history, or permission of the instructor.