Topic: Art as Power, Privilege, and Persuasion

Catalog description

This course will examine the social context in which art is produced, distributed and received. The class will investigate the process through which individuals become defined as artists, will examine the "art industry" that distributes and commodifies art products, and will explore the tension that characterizes the relationship between art and commerce. We will also investigate and observe the role that social factors-- including class background, level of education and gender--play in influencing one's taste in art. Finally, the class will investigate the role that art has played in promoting social change, and will examine this specifically with respect to performance art, digital art and ephemeral art.