History of Art masterclass for Year 12s and Year 13s

Through illuminating visual analysis and discussion, this masterclass will demonstrate art's importance to narrating and expressing ideals about humanity, society and history.

History of Art Masterclass: Interpreting 20th century America through art

In 1903, the titanic American figure W.E.B Du Bois observed "the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the colour-line". Such reasoned sentiment came during post-emancipation America, where despite the ending of plantation slavery nearly forty years earlier, racial and social equality still proved a distant reality. Whilst the fate of 20th century America has been the subject of history books aplenty, so too, it has played a central role in American art. 

From depictions of abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman to imagery about the "Great Migration', Civil Rights era and Black Power, artists such as Augusta Savage, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, Charles White, Romare Bearden and Faith Ringgold to name a few, have led the way in producing imagery both innovative and compelling, which exist as a living testament to arguably America's most tumultuous century.

On-campus masterclasses are subject based and are three hours long. They consist of a topic-based lecture and interactive activity, led by a SOAS academic. There is also a campus tour and a workshop on higher education led by Student Ambassadors.

Application

To apply, please complete the online masterclass application form, by 9am on Monday 25 November.

We will not be able to offer you a place until we have received confirmation from your school/college and parent/guardian that they give permission for you to participate. We will be in touch with them to request this.

This free SOAS event is a widening participation activity designed to give students a first-class experience of university-level studies.

We will prioritise applications from students who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• First generation in family to attend university in the UK
• Eligible of previously eligible for Free School Meals
• Experience of Local Authority care
• From an area of low progression to higher education (as measured by TUNDRA data)

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Jason Fernandez