This course is a survey of major artists and their works, as well as artistic trends in China from the late Qing Dynasty to the present. We will explore the ways in which Chinese artists of the 20th century have defined modernity and their tradition against the complex background of China’s history. A key issue for modern Chinese art is the degree to which Chinese artists have chosen to adopt Western conventions and the extent to which they have rejected them. Equally legitimate positions have been taken by artists whose work actively opposes the legacy of the past and by those who pursue innovations based upon their particular understandings of the Chinese tradition. Through examining art works in different media, including oil painting, graphic design, woodblock prints, traditional ink and color painting, and recent installation and video art, along with theoretical writing, bibliographical and institutional data, and other documentary materials, we will investigate the most compelling of the multiple realities that Chinese artists have constructed for themselves.

CILO-1: Identify and discuss major Chinese artists and art works of the 20th century. CILO-2: Define and analyze modernity of Chinese art and related issues against the complex background of China’s history. CILO-3: Formulate the significant issues of art history, with emphasis on the underlying philosophy, religion, history, and aesthetics of Chinese culture. CILO-4: Acquire basic skills of visual analysis and a critical vocabulary for discussing the media, technologies, styles, compositions and iconographies of Chinese modern art. CILO-5: Acquire basic research and writing skills in the field of modern Chinese arts.