This course examines key developments and concepts of twentieth-century art. While engaging with Euro-American and Australian histories of modernism, it emphasises global artistic practices that challenge Western art historical narratives. Key topics explore the foundations of contemporary art, including the avant-gardes, abstraction, originality and reproduction, artistic gestures, and questions of representation and identity. You will analyse works of art in relation to major historical transformations, including technological innovation, urbanisation, world wars, decolonisation movements, geopolitical conflicts, and the rise of global capitalism. The course encourages critical reflection on diverse forms of visual culture, from fine art to film, design, and architecture.