Image: André Kertész, Distortion #88, 1933, gelatin silver photograph, 27.4 × 34.8 cm (image) 28.0 × 35.3 cm (sheet)

This course examines the international movements of Dada and Surrealism within the context of European and American culture and history between 1916 and 1939. These artistic movements, which were influenced by the formal experiments of early twentieth century art and literature, redirected the self-reflexive radicalism of their artistic predecessors in new directions; namely, toward: (1) bridging the gap between art and life; (2) defining and criticizing the modern world; and (3) suggesting new forms of individual and collective subjectivity commensurate with modern life. This course will explore these developments in depth and examine Dada and Surrealist art in all its forms including painting, photomontage, collage, assemblage, performance, literature, and film.

Requirements: To receive credit for this class, students must complete: three in-class exams, a research paper proposal and bibliography, and an 8- to 10-page research paper.

Estimated cost of materials: $0-$50.

HISTART concentration distributions: 4. Modern and Contemporary, D. Europe and the US