The Modernist Artist From Europe To Latin Ame

Overview

Course details

In contrast to the traditional narrative that often favours the accomplishments of male artists, this course places a distinct emphasis on a carefully curated selection of women artists. By adopting this perspective, we aim to unravel themes such as marginalisation, inclusion, self-representation, and the problematic influence of personal biographies on our comprehension of the artistic endeavors of women.

We will examine artworks produced in France, Britain, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and Venezuela, spanning various mediums, including painting, sculpture, textiles, photography, collage, and design.

A modernist painting by Barbara Hepworth, A lithograph with thin lines depicting yellow circles and splashes of ink.

Pastorale, Barbara Hepworth, 1950-1972, Courtesy of the University of St Andrews Libraries and Museums, ID: HC455

Who is this course for?

This course is for art learners and enthusiasts. It is ideal for those wanting a deeper understanding of Modernist art for inclusion in art galleries, museums, or for other interests.

Dr Natalia Sassu Suarez Ferri sitting at a desk, delivering a lecture as she looks off camera

Teaching Format

Through pre-recorded lectures, online discussion forums, exclusive access to selected academic and non-academic reading, and specially curated and collated material, we will grapple with fundamental questions, including the nuanced understanding of Modernism in the context of art history and the unraveling of the myths that surround its narrative.

The Modernist Artist: From Europe to Latin America takes 50 learning hours to complete fully. This course is designed to be a self-paced experience, with pre-recorded videos, selected readings, and asynchronous discussion forums, which you can take in your own time around your schedule. All the content for this course is available from the start of the course and can be accessed at any time before the course end.

Dr Billy Rough sitting at a desk as he talks about the course

Testimonial

"I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone interested in modern art and wishing to expand their knowledge in this area. I particularly appreciated the focus on the often overlooked female artists. I will leave this course with my mind having been opened to certain genres I would maybe have ignored in the past. Going forward I may now actively seek out exhibitions featuring these artists and styles." - Hilda

Alumni Discount

University of St Andrews alumni receive a 20% discount on our online short courses. If you’ve previously studied with us, you can take advantage of this exclusive offer to continue your learning journey. To find out more, please contact standrewsonline@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Certificate

If successful, you will receive a Certificate of Completion and a digital badge from the University of St Andrews.

Course dates

Start date:: Monday 6 April 2026
End date:: Sunday 31 May 2026
Cost:: £150
Duration:: 55 days

Course teachers

Natalia Ferri

Dr Natalia Sassu Suarez Ferri is a Lecturer (Education Focused) in the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews. Her academic research focuses on Latin American modern and contemporary art; transnational links between Latin America and Europe; colour theory; and the emergence of abstraction. Her research has been published by the University of Granada and Tate Papers, amongst others. She recently co-edited an open access volume titled ‘Transmission and Gender: Women Artists as Teachers in the XXth Century’ for The German Center for Art History in Paris (DFK) and the University of Heidelberg.

Billy Rough

Dr Billy Rough is Lecturer in the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews. His research focuses on the relationship between British art and the theatre in the long-nineteenth century, especially the work of Walter Sickert. He has published widely on his research including essays for Tate Britain's 'Walter Sickert' exhibition catalogue (2022), The British Art Journal, The Journal of the Scottish Society for Art History, Tate Britain’s Camden Town Group in Context Research Project, and the Tate: In Focus series.