Art & the History of Art 405 - Lives of Contemporary Art

What would it mean to consider the life of a work of art? Does it have a body? How does it move through the world? Is it preserved for eternity or subject to deterioration? In what ways is it an extension of the artist and in what ways does it take on new lives when encountered by the public? Is it an inert object or does it have a life of its own? Beginning with case studies from the 1950s and reaching the present day, this course will explore the variable durabilities, ephemeralities, and queer existences of works of art, ranging from sculptures to performances to NFTs. The semester will culminate with students creating their own research projects. 

Limited to 15 students. Spring 2025: Professor Vicario.

How to handle overenrollment: Priority given to ARHA majors, then priority given to juniors and seniors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, readings, independent research, oral presentations, visual analysis.