This course investigates certain movements within Modernism that explore fantasy, psychology, imagination, humor, irrationality, violence, the
grotesque, the unconscious, the abject, and the absurd. Symbolism and some aspects of Expressionism are approached in relation to the key twentieth-century international developments of Metaphysical Art, Dada and Surrealism. Works in various media are considered, including those outside the visual arts (such as poetry and music), paying particular attention to challenges to the definition of art and the social and political implications of these challenges. Artists considered include: Moreau, Redon,
Gauguin, Van Gogh, Munch, Rousseau, de Chirico, Duchamp, Picabia, Tzara, Arp, Man Ray, Bréton, Schwitters, Höch, Grosz, Ernst, Masson, Miro, Magritte, Matta, Kahlo, Tanguy, Dali, Gorky and others. Note: Field trips are mandatory for this class.