Art Appreciation

with Sara Svati

This course offers a captivating journey through the world of modern and contemporary art, inspired by current exhibitions in London and beyond. Participants will explore influential artistic movements, groundbreaking artists, and pivotal moments that have shaped our perception of art and culture.

Key Focus Areas

Artistic Movements and Influence

Explore major modern and contemporary art movements

Analyse the interconnections between different artistic styles and cultural contexts

Global Perspectives

Examine works by artists from the Global South and East

Compare and contrast these perspectives with Western art traditions

Historical Contexts

Investigate key historical events that have shaped artistic expression

Understand the socio-political influences on art throughout different periods

Contemporary London Art Scene

Engage with current exhibitions and emerging artists in London

Discuss the city’s role in shaping global contemporary art trends 

Overview 

This year, while maintaining a special emphasis on the female gaze throughout the course of Art History, we will also introduce artists from the Global South and the East. By doing so we aim to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced view of art history and its impact on contemporary practices, offering a broader context to Western and Eurocentric perspectives.

About the tutor:

Sara Svati is an Italian-born, London-based artist working across theatre, performance, and visual arts. She is the founder and director of Orientale Sarda, a performing arts company that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary artistic visions.

Educated at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, she furthered her knowledge with a Master's in Scenography and theatrical practices at the Royal Central School of Speech And Drama in London and at Comandini Theatre in Cesena. Her artworks, performances and installations have been showcased in diverse European locations, including Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK. She was the winner of the 'Best Emerging Scenographer' issued by the KIT Company in New York in 2014. Beyond her artistic commissions, she also works as researcher and appointed lecturer across various institutions and cultural organisations in UK and mainland Europe - sharing her insight on art history, social sciences, and contemporary visual cultures and practices.

COURSE CODE: 051

SEPTEMBER 2025 - DECEMBER 2025

Term 1: £249

Term 1 starts on Thursday 11 September 2025

11, 18, 25 September

2, 9, 16, 23 October

6, 13, 20, 27 November

4, 11 December