Module 12: Contemporary Art & Global Perspectives

This module explores the dynamic world of contemporary art, examining key trends, movements, and the global context that shapes today's creative landscape. Students will investigate how globalisation, cross-cultural exchange, and new technologies influence artistic production, and how contemporary artists respond to political, social, and environmental issues.

Why This Module Matters

Contemporary art reflects our complex, interconnected world. This module helps students recognise global influences, emerging practices, and innovative approaches to making art. It encourages critical thinking about the cultural, social, and political forces that shape today's visual culture.

• Understand key contemporary movements and global artistic dialogues.
• Examine how technology, media, and cross-cultural exchange influence art-making.
• Develop critical skills to analyse contemporary artworks within global contexts.

By the end of Module 12, you’ll be equipped to interpret contemporary art, contextualise works across cultures, and engage thoughtfully with the issues and ideas that define our current art world.

What You’ll Learn

• Contemporary Movements
  Explore major trends and influential practices shaping contemporary art globally.
• Globalisation & Cross-Cultural Influence
  See how globalisation and cultural exchange impact artists and audiences.
• Technology & New Media
  How digital platforms, multimedia, and technology are transforming the art world.
• Critical & Social Perspectives
  See how contemporary art engages with global social, political, and cultural issues.

What You’ll Do

• Analyse Global Trends
  See how contemporary artists respond to globalisation and technology.
• Explore New Media
  Engage with digital, interactive, and multimedia artworks and assess their impact.
• Contextualise Artworks
  Place works within broader social, political, and environmental frameworks.
• Develop Critical Insights
  Reflect on how contemporary art conveys ideas & impacts society.

Module Content

This module covers the following topics:

• Contemporary Art Overview
• Globalisation and Art
• Cross-Cultural Exchange
• New Media and Technology
• Political and Social Themes
• Environmental Perspectives
• Artist Case Studies
• Critical Debate & Dialogue
• Art in a Global Context
• Future Directions in Contemporary Art

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 12, you will:

• Understand contemporary art movements and the global context in which they operate.
• Be able to recognise key trends, practices, and themes in global contemporary art.
• Contextualise artworks in relation to social, political, and environmental factors.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to analyse and interpret contemporary art.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors will guide you through the complex landscape of contemporary art. They’ll help you recognise and contextualise global influences, assess the impact of new media and technology, and analyse key contemporary works. Tutors provide personalised feedback to deepen your understanding of social, political, environmental, and cultural contexts, building confidence in critical engagement with global contemporary art practices.