Class Description
Though some American artists have been deeply influenced by European art, others have developed an original approach or style that spoke to the particular circumstances and traditions of this nation. This lecture series focuses on the artwork and milieus of Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman, Kerry James Marshall, and Maya Lin to probe the conceptual and thematic links between these artists and ultimately consider what defines American art.
Margaret Farr is an independent art historian with a PhD specializing in art from 1800 to the present. She teaches courses at the Newberry Library and is an adjunct lecturer at the Art Institute of Chicago.
All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.
Materials List
Required
- Digital Course Packet
First Reading
- Please read the first article in the digital course packet: Charles Colbert's article in the Winterthur Portfolio, "Winslow Homer: Reluctant Modern," pp. 37-55.
A Brief Syllabus
- Winslow Homer: genre scenes, mastery of watercolor, and men in an elemental struggle with the sea.
- Edward Hopper: urban paintings featuring the vernacular architecture of New York City and the quiet dramas that play out in these spaces emphasizing isolation and alienation.
- Richard Serra: metal sculptures relying on balance, weight, and gravity, and one in particular that became a lightning rod for controversy.
- Cindy Sherman: photography that probes the nature of how female identity is shaped by the media.
- Kerry James Marshall: canvases of Black folks in everyday life that have the scale, dignity, and authority of grand manner painting.
- Maya Lin: abstract sculptural monuments with innovative design that relay a powerful message.
Cost and Registration
6 Sessions, $245 ($220 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($245), Community Supported ($230), and Sponsor ($260). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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