In a rapidly changing global landscape, the ability to analyze and interpret complex visual information is vital. This Specialization offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the art of our time by embracing your curiosity and expanding your perspective on art.
You will explore three important topic areas—Modern Art, Contemporary Art, and Photography—hearing directly from experts in the field and from artists to see how they respond to the social and cultural shifts that define our world. You won’t just learn art history, you will develop a toolkit for understanding the ideas, materials, and strategies that shape art and visual culture today.
Applied Learning Project
Throughout this Specialization, you will engage in visual analysis and creative reflections on works of art in MoMA’s world-class collection that translate theory into practical expertise about the art of our time.
Develop skills in close looking and critical thinking: You will apply a critical tool-kit to decode complex visual information.
Deconstruct the creative process: By virtually visiting artists' studios and going behind-the-scenes at The Museum of Modern Art to hear from experts in the field, you will analyze the specific materials and strategies artists use to respond to social, cultural, and technological shifts.
Evaluate modern and contemporary art frameworks: Through written and creative reflection, you will learn to articulate the "why" behind works of modern art and contemporary art, developing a vocabulary to explain how art functions as a tool for communication, critique, documentation, and much more.
