The term "American modernism" has come to define a time period in American art history, yet it refuses any easy interpretation in reference to a specific artistic movement or medium or to a clearly prescribed group of artists. Thriving in New York City during the early decades of the twentieth century, American modernism encompassed movements such as Dada, abstraction, and straight photography, and made art through media such as magazines and collage as well as photography and painting. Parisian war emigres mingled with native New Yorkers at the salons of the Stettheimers and the Arensbergs and saw new art at Stieglitz's gallery "291." This seminar will explore the complex brew of images, ideas, and individuals in New York during the First World War that gave rise to modern art in the United States, and will include artists such as Paul Strand, Georgia O'Keeffe, Stuart Davis, Alfred Stieglitz, Arthur Dove, Florine Stettheimer, Marsden Hartley, Marius De Zayas, Marcel Duchamp, and Charles Demuth. The extensive visual and textual primary resources from this era will provide an opportunity to consider the ways in which American artists sought to distinguish themselves from their European contemporaries, even as they interacted with them through exhibitions and social events. Requirements: one or two oral reports, a research paper of 15-20 pages, and class participation. Prerequisites: ArtH 101-102. Enrollment limited to 15. Preference given to majors.

Hour: ARAUZ