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Course: The Museum of Modern Art > Unit 1
Lesson 9: Modern Art & IdeasIntroduction to Modern Art & Ideas
Looking at modern art through the lens of different themes can reveal surprising connections and new insights. In our new online course, "Modern Art & Ideas," we explore four themes we often use when teaching at The Museum of Modern Art: Places and Spaces, Art and Identity, Transforming Everyday Objects, Art and Society.
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"Traditionally modern art has been discussed in terms of time period and movement" how did it come to this? In chemistry, biology and physics in school (in my experience) you're not taught a chronological overview of discoveries('time periods'), nor different scientific paradigms('art movements'), but rather have education centered around themes ("gravity", "cellular reproduction", "noble gasses"), so why is the traditional approach in art education and discussions so different?(5 votes)
Video transcript
Traditionally modern art has been organized, separated and discussed in great length by time period and movement. We wouldn't be doing
that. These videos will instead look at art by theme. Places & Spaces. Art & Identity.
Transforming Everyday Objects. And Art & Society. These themes in an attempt to bridge the gap
between modern art & you. I think that modern art can meet you where you are and allows
you to work with what you already know. It says, interestingly, as much about you or
me as it does about the artist himself. There's going to be pictures, there's going to be
these people, there's love, there's death, there's this guy, there's this thing, there's
a chainsaw. This is why this museum, this is why this subject is so rich because there's
such diversity in it. If you find a foothold and get started, you're never going to finish.
It's going to be another way to look at modern art. Suddenly, it opens up a greater dialogue
about connections not only between works of art but to things we already know. It just
gives you another entry point to really engage with the art that you're seeing.