What is conceptual art?
Weekend art history course
5 October 2024 10am - 5pm6 October 2024 10am - 5pm
Wolfson British Academy Room | Burlington Gardens
£420. Includes light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of day one.
Friends of the RA book first
Explore the history of conceptual art on this weekend course, taught by art historians and curators.
This weekend course will give an introduction to conceptual art, from the movement’s development during the 1960s and 70s, to its enduring presence in the art world today.
Starting with Marcel Duchamp’s famous ready-made Fountain of 1917, which directly questioned the boundaries of art, you will discover that conceptual art can seem to be almost anything – from performance practices, to writing, to everyday objects displayed in gallery spaces. This weekend course will unpack the trends and ideas that were founded with this movement, and explore the ways in which many artists used conceptualism for institutional and political critique.
Using our exhibition Michael Craig-Martin as a springboard for discussion, you will explore conceptualism in Britain, as well as learning about international artists and movements – from Fluxus, the Moscow conceptualists and Brazilian artist Cildo Meireles, to contemporary artists like Barbara Kruger and Jenny Holzer.
Over the weekend, you will learn from a range of experts, including art historians and curators, and will both celebrate and challenge the notion of conceptual art. No prior knowledge is required, but debate and discussion are encouraged.
If the course is sold out, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk to join our waiting list.
Minimum age 18. If you have any access requirements that you’d like to discuss, please contact public.programmes@royalacademy.org.uk.