Exhibitions as History
Eugene Lang College Lib Arts: The Arts
CRN: 3069
Credits: 4
This course explores the history and theory of art exhibitions as spaces of display and formal experimentation, critical public spheres, and narrative structures where history, ideology and power are enacted and negotiated. The course will cover the chronological span from 17th century cabinets of curiosity to contemporary displays and will consider a wide range of exhibitions: from museum collection presentations to temporary group and solo exhibitions, historical and thematic, organized by curators and by artists themselves, as well as major international shows, such as expos and biennials. We will examine exhibitions’ role in the emergence of mass media, the market, and state propaganda, as well as artists’ resistance to the instrumentalization and commercialization of their work. We will study the work of key 20th century artists, who engaged directly with exhibition practices, including Marcel Duchamp, Kazimir Malevich, El Lissitzky, Hans Haacke, Marcel Broodhaers, and Barbara Kruger. We will read important writings by Carol Duncan, Brian O’Doherty, Mary Ann Stanieszewski, Lucy Lippard and Okwui Enwezor. Coursework includes class presentations of assigned readings, written reports on current exhibitions, and a research paper on a historical exhibition of your choice. Class meetings will be supplemented with visits to exhibitions and guest talks by curators and artists.
College: Eugene Lang College Lib Arts (LC)
Department: The Arts (ART)
Campus: New York City (GV)
Course Format: Seminar (R)
Modality: In-Person
Max Enrollment: 18
Add/Drop Deadline: September 9, 2024 (Monday)
Online Withdrawal Deadline: November 17, 2024 (Sunday)
Seats Available: Yes
Status: Waitlist*
* Status information is updated every few minutes. The status of this course may have changed since the last update. Open seats may have restrictions that will prevent some students from registering. Updated: 3:08am EDT 3/29/2024