Course content

This course introduces students to the diverse and evolving field of contemporary art, focusing on the relations, networks, and constellations that shape artistic production. Rather than presenting a fixed narrative or canon, it examines how art histories are constructed through exhibitions, critical writing, and collaborative practices—and how these narratives are contested and reimagined. The course foregrounds collective formations, transnational networks, and political contexts, exploring how these challenge traditional notions of authorship and canon.

Through case studies of pivotal moments—from landmark exhibitions to activist art movements—students learn to situate artistic practices within broader social and institutional frameworks. They are encouraged to develop their own research questions and connect historical and theoretical debates to their artistic interests. Learning takes place through active participation in discussions, presentations, and independent research, supported by readings that range from foundational texts to artists’ writings and recent scholarship addressing transversal, feminist, and postcolonial perspectives.

Learning outcome

• Understand how contemporary art histories are constructed and contested through exhibitions, writing, and collaborative practices.
• Analyse artistic works and projects within social, institutional, and political contexts, recognizing the role of networks, collaborations, and activist movements.
• Develop inquiries that connect historical and theoretical debates to their own artistic interests.
• Engage critically with diverse perspectives—including feminist, transnational, and postcolonial approaches—and communicate insights through discussion, presentation, and writing.

Learning methods and activities

Learning takes place through lectures, seminars, and collaborative activities that explore developments in art history and contemporary discourses. Students engage in group work that includes discussion, mapping of ideas and contexts, and collaborative analysis of texts and case studies. Active engagement with readings—through annotation, shared reflections, and critical dialogue—is an integral part of the course.

Each student will develop a presentation, individually or in a group, which will be shared with the class either as an oral presentation or a recorded format.

Specific conditions

Approved compulsory assignments are valid in the current semester.

Due to lack of Scandinavian speaking teachers, this course will be taught in English.

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in course activities
• Written critical reflection
• Presentation

Specific conditions