The Art of Controversy: Cultural Politics and Contemporary Art

April 18, 2012

f05-burden — From the performance Shoot, 1971, in which Burden was shot in the arm with a .22 rifle.

Cary Levine, Assistant Professor of Art History

Artists often break rules. Indeed, Western art history can be understood as a history of rule-breaking. In the contemporary period, artists have not only continued this tradition, but often “upped the ante,” producing works of intense provocation and biting critique. Join art historian Cary Levine as he explores select ways that artists have used “controversial” acts and subject matter to challenge some of society’s most basic norms and ideals.

Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.