As an extension of our study of Modernism, you will be exploring Modernism in visual art through a visit to one of the NYC museums listed below. All of these museums are currently requiring that visitors book their visit ahead of time, so be sure to go to their website and follow instructions to make a reservation before your visit.
Museum of Modern Art (www.moma.org) 11 W.53rd Street
CUNY students can visit MoMA for free. When booking your visit, click on the button that says “Reserve Affiliate Tickets”.
Neue Galerie (www.neue galerie.org) 1048 Fifth Avenue
This small museum focuses specifically on Austrian and German art. It is housed in a beautiful mansion. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month. All other times, student admission is $12.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (www.metmuseum.org) 1000 Fifth Avenue
This museum is “pay as you wish” for full-time students in NY and for all NYC residents. There is a suggested price listed for students, but you can choose how much you want to pay for admission. However you still need to make a reservation to book your visit!
At the museum, you will select one piece of work created between 1890 and the beginning of WWII in 1939 that you believe can be described as modernist. It might be helpful to keep in mind that impressionism, expressionism, cubism, and surrealism are all streams of modernism.
On our course blog, post an image of the work (preferably a photograph taken by you at the museum or an image found online) and a post of 400-500 words about the work. If you consult any sources to complete this assignment, please include that information. It’s fine to look up basic biographical information, but all description and thoughts about the work you’ve selected should be entirely your own. Be sure to include the following elements:
–Basic information about the artist.
–A description of work you selected.
–An analysis of how this work reflects the aesthetic preferences associated with Modernism.
–A description of the context in which you encountered the work.
–An explanation of what drew you to this piece.
–Any questions you have about the work.
***Your work must be posted to our course blog by Monday, Dec 5th.
Please retain proof of your visit to the museum to be submitted to me in class after your visit.