Understanding contemporary art

Improve your appreciation of present-day art – from pickled sharks to porcelain sunflower seeds – at this fun evening class with Guardian art critic Jonathan Jones and Mat Collishaw, one of the pioneering Young British Artists (YBAs)

A shark preserved in formaldehyde, an unmade bed, photographs of the last meals chosen by prisoners on death row… The term ‘contemporary art’ covers a diverse array of objects and experiences – some of which may seem confusing at first glance. No matter how much or little you know about art, this masterclass will improve your understanding of art made in the present day, enabling you to become a more curious and critical gallery-goer.

During this fun evening class, you’ll learn what contemporary art is, and receive an overview of key artists, periods and artworks. You’ll also learn how to appreciate contemporary art, with guidance from Mat Collishaw, one of the pioneering artists of the YBA generation, and Guardian art critic Jonathan Jones. The evening is also a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into Mat’s life as an artist.

Tickets are limited so book your place now – and spend the evening learning from one of the most fascinating artists working in Britain today

More about your teachers…

Mat Collishaw is a key figure in the important generation of British artists who emerged from Goldsmiths College in the late 1980s. He participated in the pivotal exhibition Freeze, a group show organized by Damien Hirst that launched the YBAs (Young British Artists). Mat’s work has been exhibited internationally, with recent solo exhibitions including Mat Collishaw, The New Art Gallery Walsall (2015) and Black Mirror, Galleria Borghese, Rome (2014). His works are in several public collections including the Tate in London and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.

Jonathan Jones writes on art for the Guardian and was on the jury for the 2009 Turner prize. He also writes the series Framing the debate, which takes a closer look at photographs and videos that divide opinion. Jonathan is the author of two books on art, The Lost Battles: Leonardo, Michelangelo and the Artistic Duel That Defined the Renaissance and The Loves of the Artists. Read his Guardian articles here.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website