In the autumn semester, we have an exciting new course The Local in a Global Context: Art and Visual Culture in the 20th Century (DU2401).

Throughout the 20th century it has become increasingly accepted that we live in an interconnected world. Global, national, regional and even local cultures do not exist in isolation from each other, but shape each other. At the same time, international cultural trends are given a national character, while regional and local cultures make use of universal ideas and practices. As a result, we live in a mixed, hybrid world – the “local in the global”. This course examines this issue as it relates to visual culture since 1900. Using a range of case studies, from modernist architecture in Africa and India to Mexican & Native American art, from ethno-fashion to Moravian folk art, it explores the ways in which artists, designers and architects have exploited this intersection of cultures in productive ways. The course also pays attention to the practices at museums and galleries that address the topic of local and global in exhibitions. Alongside the discussion of individual examples, the course examines the different theoretical concepts that have been used to describe and understand this phenomenon.

The course is delivered by Marta Filipová, Matthew Rampley and Julia Secklehner with the help of a number of guest speakers who are experts in their field.

The course ends with a colloquium worth 4 credits and you can enroll in the Masaryk University Information System in the Course Registration/Enrolment section.