The course aims at developing the ability for critical analysis of works of art, offering knowledge about the historical frame of each era and movement, the relevant aesthetic ideology and the history and theory of art, architecture and human sciences.The knowledge of fine arts within the complex frame of reference and connotation, the theoretic writings of artists and thinkers as well as the interpretative approaches help us comprehend the art phenomenon, the interactive relationship between artistic creation and society, and provide us with keys to critical reading and enjoyment of artwork by having a positive impact on the quality of the architectural conception. The course also offers specialized information and scientific positions creating for the participants the cognitive frame for the preparation for active involvement, on a practical level, in  the broader field of modern art and its connection to architectural practice.

 The objective of the course is for the student to show that he/she has understood the basic notions and developments of modern and contemporary art, by confidently using references about its aesthetic ideology. The course offers the possibility to develop the capacity for critical analysis and understanding of works of art through an oral group presentation of specific texts and doing a project. Special emphasis is put on personal points of view concerning the analyzed artworks by providing “keys” to the critical reading of the work of art. The course contributes to acquiring knowledge and abilities following the b, c, e, categories of the European directive.

 The content of the course focuses on the radical changes and transformations brought about by the historic avant-garde and post-war era movements (neo-avant-garde) to the art theories, the conditions in which the fine arts are received and produced, as well as the consequences and impact of artistic activity on ideologies concerning society. The major art styles, artistic idioms as well as similar topics-iconography are presented, while at the same time the multiple connections of the works of art with other arts and cultural events, as well as the impact of theoretic thinking and science are examined. The systematic and methodical review of the historic development of the theories of art and 20th century artistic activity keeps pace with the indicative presentation of equivalent new methodologies in the science of the history of art which have developed during that period.

 The course is organised along modules of lectures and a series of oral, group presentations by the students. These presentations are carried out in selected groups and focus on a succinct and critical examination of excerpts from the overall work of important representatives of the theory. The excerpts are selected on the basis of how each one comprises a special case which clearly explains each methodological approach, offering additional information about each module.
 

Modules

1) Introduction to the basic art theories – periodizations: modernity, avant garde, modernism.
2) Introduction to methodology: Iconology – Semiotics – Phenomenology – the contribution of analytical speech (discourse analytique) to the history of art.
3) – Changes in pictorial representation: from imitation to abstraction (Cubism, Futurism, Expressionism, De Stijl, Suprematismos) – the end of the hegemony of painting: from abstract expressionism to post-modern painting.
4) Politics, Utopia and “art in life”: Epemvatismos to Dada – Constructivism and Lef – Bauhaus – criticizing the society of the spectacle: Situationist International
5) The “subliminal” image – New iconography in Surrealism
6) Rupture with aesthetics and art as a concept: the regime of ready-made – institutional critique and ambiguity of roles – “erotic ennoiologismos” in the work of Marcel Duchamp
7) The conceptualization of the commonplace: Pop art aesthetics –consumer society, the “art of business” and the invention of life style in the work of Andy Warhol
8) The arena of the artist: Performance and Prosecution – Physical Activity – Happening, Fluxus
9) Changes in hegemonic examples of modern art: Minimal Art, Conceptual Art, art as institutional critique, Arte Povera
10) The spectator in the image: installation art, the new role of the spectator and the rules of art reception.
11) From the White Cube to the Black Box. Art in the hegemony of the film image
12) Towards the 21st century (1st part):
The eclipse of the public sphere; Community art forms (community based art): From the place to the community – relational aesthetics and criticism – The redefinition of art in public spaces.
Changing sex: Feminist and post-feminist historiography – Artistic practice and the politics of identity.
13) Towards the 21st century (2nd part):
The experience outside: Internationalization, globalization and circulation of artists and art – post-colonial criticism and the dealing of art.
Critique of late modernity – late style and the critique of postmodern architecture.