Course overview

American art historian Linda Nochlin in 1971 posed the question as to “Why have there been no great women artists?”. Women artists have been overlooked, undermined, and forgotten over the centuries. This course will write them back into art history by focusing on the most committed and accomplished women artists from the 17th Century to the 21st Century covering women painters, sculptors, installation artists, and performance artists.

Course description

This comprehensive course offers a thorough exploration of the historical journey of women artists from the 17th to the 21st century. Students will begin by investigating the historical background of each century, gaining an understanding of the broader social, political, and cultural contexts that shaped the lives and careers of these women artists.

The course will then examine the numerous obstacles women artists faced and overcame. These challenges included societal norms, gender biases, and limited access to formal training and artistic communities. By studying these barriers, students will appreciate the resilience and determination required for women to pursue their artistic passions in male-dominated environments.

In-depth studies of prominent women artists from each century will provide concrete examples of how individual women navigated and influenced the art world. This chronological approach will highlight the evolution of women's roles in art and how their contributions have varied across different periods. Finally, the course will explain why many women artists were forgotten over time and how they were later rediscovered. This will involve analyzing art historical narratives, the role of art institutions, and the efforts of modern scholars and activists in bringing these artists back into the public consciousness. Through this multifaceted approach, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the rich and complex history of women in art.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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