Innovation and Transformation in Latin American Art

Catalog description

This course considers the ways that the cataclysmic meeting of Indigenous, European, African, and Asian cultures in the area now called Latin America affected art, architecture, and visual culture. From a brutal invasion by conquistadors to an established network of conventos and viceroyalties, art and architecture were instrumental in converting the Indigenous populations to Christianity and establishing colonial control. As the colonies won their independence, art again played a political role in envisioning new patriotic narratives in fledgling nations. Finally, as Latin American countries modernized, their art, architecture, and visual culture proclaimed the region’s technological and artistic advancement to the world. This course addresses colonial, independence, post-independence, and modern art in Latin America. It pursues an art history characterized by syncretism, hybridity, resistance, and innovation by the diverse peoples of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin America. Course assessment is based primarily on biweekly quizzes and Problem-Based Learning media projects. An Art History course for the Art major and minor. Satisfies Latin American Studies minor requirement. Satisfies Visual and Performing Arts requirement. Satisfies Justice, Equality, and Community requirement.