Minimalism and Conceptual Art

In this seminar we will chart and parse two of the most important art movements of the last fifty years: minimalism and conceptualism. Essential to the development of much art since, both practices inaugurated a series of formal and theoretical advances-seriality in one case, and an emphasis on both ideas and language in the other-essential to the contemporary moment. In addition to situating both figures and debates historically, students will also explore their influence on more contemporary practices. Readings will include texts by artists and critics writing in the 1960s, artist interviews, and more recent historical and critical writing. 3 hrs. sem.