AH 351 - Brazilian Art: 1500-2000

Brazil, the fifth largest nation in the world, is also one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse. Perceptions of Brazil – with its vast geography and its varied people and culture – have undergone profound transformations since the first moments of encounter of the Portuguese with Native Americans in 1500. Through such media as earthwork, featherwork, body arts, performance, landscape painting, sculpture, architecture, and video art, this course examines the history of visual and material culture in Brazil from over a 500-year period. We will pay particular attention to the complexities of artistic and intercultural exchange among Brazil’s Amerindian, African and European populations. We will end examining by Brazil’s vibrant contemporary art and architecture scene today, and the continuing impact of eco- and ethno-political debates. Letter grade with Pass/No Pass option. (Offered as needed.) 3 credits