Non-Western Modernisms

Unit 1 – Non-Western Modernisms: Intro & Context

Unit 2 – Japanese Modernism: Yoga to Gutai

Unit 3 – Chinese Modernism: Woodcuts and '85 New Wave

Unit 4 – Indian Art: Bengal School & Progressive Group

Unit 5 – Southeast Asian Modernism: Nanyang & Thai Art

Unit 6 – African Modernism: Négritude and Art Movements

Unit 7 – Arab Modernism: Hurufiyya & Baghdad Group

Unit 8 – Turkish Modernism: The D Group's New Vision

Unit 9 – Latin American Modernism: Art Movements

Unit 10 – Mexican Modernism: Stridentism & Surrealism

Unit 11 – Caribbean Modernism: Négritude & Harlem

Unit 12 – Global Modernism: Cross-Cultural Exchanges

Unit 13 – Postcolonial Critiques of Non-Western Modernisms

## What do you learn in Non-Western Modernisms

Explore modernist art movements outside the Western canon, focusing on Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Analyze how artists from these regions responded to colonialism, industrialization, and cultural exchange. Examine key figures, stylistic innovations, and the social/political contexts that shaped non-Western modern art from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries.

## Is Non-Western Modernisms hard?

It can be challenging if you're not used to looking at art from diverse cultural perspectives. There's a lot of historical context to grasp, and you'll need to analyze artworks critically. But if you're into art history and curious about global cultures, it's totally manageable. Just stay on top of the readings and engage in class discussions.

## Tips for taking Non-Western Modernisms in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a visual timeline of key movements and artists to keep everything organized
3. Practice comparing Western and non-Western artworks to understand their unique characteristics
4. Visit local museums with non-Western collections to see works in person
5. Watch "The Lovers and the Despot" for insight into North Korean cinema and propaganda
6. Read "The Other Story" by Rasheed Araeen to explore postcolonial perspectives on modernism

## Common pre-requisites for Non-Western Modernisms

1. Introduction to Art History: Covers the basics of visual analysis and art historical methodologies. You'll learn how to "read" artworks and understand their cultural significance.

2. Modern Art Survey: Provides an overview of Western modernist movements from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism. This class gives you a foundation to compare and contrast with non-Western modernisms.

## Classes similar to Non-Western Modernisms

1. Postcolonial Art: Examines art produced in response to colonialism and its aftermath. You'll explore themes of identity, hybridity, and cultural resistance in various global contexts.

2. Global Contemporary Art: Focuses on art from the 1960s to the present, emphasizing cross-cultural exchange and globalization. This class often includes performance art, new media, and installation works.

3. Asian Art History: Surveys the artistic traditions of East, South, and Southeast Asia. You'll study everything from ancient Buddhist sculptures to contemporary Chinese installations.

4. African Art and Visual Culture: Explores the diverse artistic practices of the African continent. This class covers traditional arts, modernist movements, and contemporary African artists working globally.

## Majors related to Non-Western Modernisms

1. Art History: Focuses on the study of visual arts across cultures and time periods. Students develop skills in visual analysis, research, and critical thinking about art and its contexts.

2. Global Studies: Examines interconnections between cultures, economies, and political systems worldwide. Students gain a broad understanding of international issues and cross-cultural communication.

3. Anthropology: Studies human cultures and societies, both past and present. Students learn about cultural diversity, social structures, and how art reflects and shapes cultural values.

4. Comparative Literature: Analyzes literature from different cultures and languages. Students explore themes, styles, and literary movements across national and linguistic boundaries.

## What can you do with a degree in Non-Western Modernisms?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions, acquires artworks, and conducts research for museums. Curators specializing in non-Western art help diversify museum collections and create engaging displays for the public.

2. Art Critic/Journalist: Writes about art exhibitions, artists, and cultural trends for magazines, newspapers, or online platforms. Critics with knowledge of non-Western modernisms can provide unique perspectives on global art scenes.

3. Cultural Consultant: Advises businesses, non-profits, or government agencies on cross-cultural issues. Consultants use their understanding of diverse artistic traditions to facilitate cultural exchange and communication.

4. Art Dealer/Gallerist: Buys, sells, and promotes artworks, often specializing in specific regions or periods. Dealers with expertise in non-Western modernisms can help build important collections and support underrepresented artists.

## Non-Western Modernisms FAQs

1. How does this class differ from a regular modern art course? It focuses specifically on modernist movements outside the Western canon, exploring how artists in Asia, Africa, and Latin America developed their own unique responses to modernity.

2. Do I need to know multiple languages for this class? While knowing relevant languages can be helpful, it's not usually required. Most readings and discussions will be in English.

3. Will we cover contemporary non-Western art? The course primarily focuses on modernist movements from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, but it may touch on how these movements influence contemporary non-Western artists.

Art History

1.4 Key Themes and Artistic Approaches

1.3 Challenges in Studying Non-Western Modernisms

1.1 Defining Non-Western Modernisms

1.2 Historical and Cultural Contexts

2.4 Post-War Japanese Modernism

2.3 The Avant-Garde Movement and Gutai Group

2.2 Nihonga and the Preservation of Traditional Techniques

2.1 Yoga and the Influence of Western Art

3.3 Chinese Modernism in the Global Context

3.2 The '85 New Wave and Experimental Art

3.1 The New Woodcut Movement and Social Realism

4.2 The Progressive Artists' Group and Post-Independence Art

4.1 The Bengal School and National Identity

4.3 Modernist Trends in Indian Sculpture and Architecture

5.2 Thai Modernism and National Identity

5.3 Modernist Movements in Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines

5.1 The Nanyang Style in Singapore and Malaysia

6.1 Négritude and Pan-African Aesthetics

6.3 Modernist Movements in West, East, and Southern Africa

6.2 Natural Synthesis and the Zaria Art Society

7.2 The Baghdad Group for Modern Art

7.1 Hurufiyya and Calligraphic Modernism

7.3 Modernist Trends in North Africa and the Levant

8.3 Modernist Architecture and Urban Planning in Turkey

8.2 The New Vision and Abstract Art in Turkey

8.1 The D Group and Early Turkish Modernism

9.3 Modernist Movements in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile

9.2 Mexican Muralism and Social Realism

9.1 Antropofagia and Brazilian Modernism

10.1 The Stridentist Movement and Avant-Garde Poetry

10.2 Surrealism in Mexican Art

10.3 Modernist Photography and Cinematography in Mexico

11.3 Modernist Literature and Visual Arts in the Caribbean

11.1 Négritude in the Caribbean Context

11.2 The Influence of the Harlem Renaissance

12.2 Diaspora Artists and Cultural Hybridity

12.1 International Art Exhibitions and Biennales

12.3 The Impact of Global Communication on Modernist Practices

13.1 Postcolonial Theory and Non-Western Modernisms

13.2 The Influence of Non-Western Modernisms on Contemporary Art

13.3 Preserving and Exhibiting Non-Western Modernist Art

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