Beginning with the emergence of Impressionism in Paris in the 1860s, we examine what Modernism and Modernity first meant. Considering the period at the turn of the century, we look at Abstraction, and how it shaped movements like Fauvism, Cubism and Futurism. We examine the idea of the Avant-garde, and how the quest to escape the conventions of art inspired the Dada group, the Surrealists, and the Constructivists.
In the wake of these radical changes, we examine the inter-war period and ask what Tradition meant to Modernists. We survey the impact of Photography. And, finally, we look at the concept of Expressionism, and how it fed post-war painting. Participants in the course will become familiar with central ideas that have broad application throughout the history of Modern Art, while also learning from the foundational masterworks that spoke for modern times.
Important note: This course will take place at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York, 1334 York Ave, New York, NY 10021. Further instructions regarding arrival and specific classroom location will be communicated to fully paid, registered students as the course date approaches.
Faculty, MA Contemporary Art, and MA Historic Art and Design, New York
Morgan Falconer is a critic and art historian. After completing a PhD on art and culture in New York in the 1920s and 1930s, he worked as an art journalist and critic, first in London and later in New York. He has written about contemporary art for publications including "The Times (London)," "Art Journal," "The Economist," "Frieze," "The Burlington Magazine," "The Village Voice," and "Art in America." He has written catalogue essays on artists including Georg Baselitz ("Gagosian," 2019), Ugo Rondinone ("Ringier," 2018) and Alex Katz ("Hannover Kestnergesellschaft," 2011). His research interests span Postminimalism, art criticism, and the avant-garde, and his books include "Painting Beyond Pollock" (Phaidon), a history of painting after 1945, and "How to Be Avant-Garde" (W.W. Norton), a biographical exploration of modern artists’ quest to end art.
Read MoreCourse participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 past participants around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
English Language Requirement
Course participants should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. It is recommended that participants have the equivalent level of IELTS score of 6.0 /TOEFL score of 78 IBT, however evidence of test scores is not required to register.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with a member of our admissions team to learn more about this course and our registration process.
Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.