FREN 473 - Contemporary Art in France and Francophone Countries

In this class we will study the question of contemporary art in France and some Francophone countries and see how the diverse world movements in politics, philosophy, economy and environment affect the realm and the space of art in those countries. Particular points that have been seen as marking a change in art styles include the cold war, the mass production/consumption in the early 1960’s, the enormous influence of New York and London as well as new underground styles. Movements such as “decolonization” and “marginaliztion” and “anachronisms” will be examined. The term “contemporary art” will be questioned and debated. There will be interviews of curators and artists and visits to museums to help discussions and debates. Taught in French. Prerequisite(s): FREN 306 Offered occasionally. (4 Credits)