American Art and Culture, 1945-1960

The rise and 'triumph' of Abstract Expressionism has long dominated the story of American art following World War II. This new seminar will put Abstract Expressionism into context with parallel developments in the arts, photography, and film. Among the topics we will consider: the conversation between émigré artists and American culture during and after the war; the emergence of a 'noir' aesthetic in film and literature; the early work of Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg and the so-called 'aesthetic of indifference' in relation to Ab. Ex.; artistic collaborations at Black Mountain College; New York school photography and photojournalism; and the cultural impact of the A bomb. PREREQUISITES: A 300-LEVEL COURSE ON 20TH CENTURY ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, OR HISTORY, OR PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.
Course Attributes: FA AH; EN H; BU Hum; AS HUM; GF AH; FA HUM

American Art and Culture, 1945-1960

AMERICAN CULTURE STUDIES 472

Section 01