This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module introduces students to the art and cultures of Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba. Students will explore non-Western artistic traditions, practices and theoretical frameworks, and consider art's relation to society. The art works considered are drawn from various countries across Latin America and represent a wide range of visual art forms (with a focus on the art of the Twentieth Century) and assess both their formal analysis and their historical context. Attention will also be given to the Latin American diaspora and transatlantic exchanges. In the course of these investigations issues relating to imperialism, colonialism and post-colonial frameworks across theory and practice will be closely studied, as well as the challenges artists face in negotiating expressions of national identities and problematics versus the adoption of international styles; and the role of collections, exhibitions and art institutions within and beyond national borders.
Total contact hours: 48
Total private study hours: 252
Total module study hours: 300
Main assessment methods
Presentation (10 mins plus supporting documentation) – 20%
Creative Portfolio (2,000 words) – 40%
Essay (2,000 words) – 40%
Reassessment methods
Like for like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
Indicative Reading List
Ades, D., Brett, G. et al. (1989) Art in Latin America: the modern era, 1820-1980, New Haven: Yale UP
Baddeley, O., Fraser, V. (1989) Drawing the line: art and cultural identity in contemporary Latin America, London: Verso
Barnitz, J., Frank, P. (2015) Twentieth-century art of Latin America, Austin: U of Texas P
Frank, P. (2004) Readings in Latin American Modern Art, New Haven: Yale UP
Giunta, A. (2007), Avant-Garde, Internationalism, and Politics: Argentine Art in the Sixties, Durham: Duke UP
Greet, M. (2018) Transatlantic encounters: Latin American artists in Paris between the wars , New Haven: Yale UP
Greet, M., McDaniel Traver, G. (eds) (2018), Art Museums of Latin America: Structuring Representation, London: Routledge
Kotsopoulos, N. (ed.) (2010), Contemporary Art in Latin America, London: Black Dog Publishing
Montgomery, H. (2017) The mobility of modernism: art and criticism in 1920s Latin America, Austin: U of Texas P
Sullivan, E. (2018) The Americas revealed: collecting colonial and modern Latin American art in the United States, University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State UP
Traba, M. (1994) Art of Latin America 1900-1980, Baltimore: John Hopkins UP
Vicario, N. (2020), Hemispheric integration: materiality, mobility, and the making of Latin American art, Oakland: U of California P
The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of Latin American art and cultures, and of major art movements in the region.
2 Apply art historical methods to describe, compare, and analyse works of Latin American art, recognise their formal/stylistic traits and innovations, and critically situate them within their context of production, and within the global context.
3 Understand and evaluate the interrelations between art and politics in different Latin American countries, and the impact of class, race and gender
4 Critically reflect on the role of collections, exhibitions and the institutions of art within and beyond national borders.
5 Demonstrate knowledge of issues of imperialism, colonialism and the 'centre/periphery' debate and critically apply them in the examination of artistic production.
6 Compare and evaluate Western and non-Western artistic influences and theoretical frameworks regarding art's aesthetic and social dimension.
The intended generic learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Deploy a range of subject-specific theories, concepts and terminology.
2. Demonstrate skills of visual and historical analysis, and critical thinking.
3. Develop and apply transferable skills of bibliographical and independent research, reasoning with evidence and team work.
4. Effectively communicate ideas using a variety of methods, and formulate and sustain well-structured and coherent arguments.
5. Utilise and evaluate sources as appropriate, including primary and secondary material, online resources and museum collections.
6 .Appreciate international contexts and draw fruitful comparisons to their own.
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