Lessons for Engagement with Art
Module One
Tradition and Innovation in Modern Painting
The selected works are among the most iconic in MoMA's collection. They share a common medium—painting—and represent various steps in the development of new artistic languages at the turn of the twentieth century. They illustrate developments in modern art and demonstrate how celebrated artists have built on and broken with artistic tradition to forge new ground in representation and artistic practice. Given the focus on innovation, the works are arranged chronologically. This sequence allows the conversation to progress historically and shows how each work builds on tradition to bring about innovation.
Module Two
Images of America
The selected works offer glimpses of life in the United States during the twentieth century. The images include scenes created by artists from different countries and offer a range of interpretations of both urban and rural life. The chronological sequence allows for a discussion of the important changes that were occurring not only in American history but also in the development of art. Throughout the discussion, consider how American culture and identity are defined and represented in visual art.
Module Three
Modern Portraits
The selected works allow for an examination of some of the ways modern painters have depicted others and themselves. In looking at these works, consider how each artist's style and his use of color, scale, and composition affects the figure he depicts. Also take into account the setting of the work and what information it conveys about the person represented or the artist himself.
Module Four
The City in Modern Art
The selected images are depictions of urban landscapes throughout the development of modern art. Each work illustrates the unique perspective of the artist as well as his relationship to his urban surroundings. The works progress in chronological order, ending with the highly abstract Broadway Boogie Woogie. Throughout, consider topics such as the development and growth of cities and the benefits and challenges of city life.
Module Five
Family Pictures
The selected works offer several perspectives on the idea of "family" as represented in modern art. The initial works exhibit more traditional interpretations, while the subsequent works are more abstract both in style and in relation to the theme. Throughout, consider such topics as the representation of the figures and their relationships to each other, to the artist, and to their surroundings.
Module Six
Music and Art
The selected works touch on various ways artists have explored music in art. The images offer a range of opportunities to discuss various styles, forms, and ideas related to movement, rhythm, and other elements related to music. The relationship between music, composition, and art is explored through subject matter, materials, and the overall interaction of the elements within the work.
Module Seven
Modern Visions of Light
The selected works explore different ways that artists have incorporated the theme or image of light into their practice. Included are a photograph and four paintings: two mediums whose relationship with light is essential. When discussing these works take note of where light is seen and how it affects the viewer's perception of the place that is depicted. Also consider the effect of the absence of light in some of the works.
Module Eight
Art and Politics
The selected images are depictions of political figures and conditions throughout modern history. Included are works from a variety of countries: Germany, Mexico, and the United States. Because of their inherent ties to political history, the works are ordered chronologically. Throughout, consider how politicians present themselves and how they are perceived by others. The works can stimulate discussion about the living conditions created by particular political movements and events as well as their effects in subsequent years.
Module Nine
Modern Sculpture
The selected works are iconic sculptures in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. They are three–dimensional objects, incorporating volume and mass into their structures. Two of the artists, Umberto Boccioni and Pablo Picasso, created important three-dimensional works in addition to making paintings and drawings, while Constantin Brancusi, Alberto Giacometti, and Claes Oldenburg, were known primarily as sculptors. When discussing these works, take into account the materials used and their relationship to the subject matter.
Module Ten
The Artist’s Process
The selected works were created with unconventional methods, creating a context for an exploration of various artistic processes. Arranged chronologically, they demonstrate how artists have built upon and broken with tradition by developing new approaches to making art. Throughout, consider how these processes deviate from traditional modes of art–making and the degree to which the methods are revealed in the finished work.
Module Eleven
Photography and Creative Documentation
The selected images are black-and-white photographs by prominent American artists. They present a variety of urban and rural environments as well as social and political conditions. Throughout this module, consider the documentary potential of photography and take note of the various perspectives on the American landscape the artists present.
Module Twelve
Everyday Images and Objects
This module investigates artists' incorporation of everyday images and objects in their work. This practice began in the early twentieth century, with Marcel Duchamp and his readymades, and it remains an important part of contemporary artistic practice. Throughout this module, consider your relationship to the objects the artists have used and how your understanding of them is transformed when the original objects are altered.
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