The Story of Modern Art from Impressionism to Pop - adult education class

This course offers an insightful journey through the evolution of modern art, beginning with the Impressionists in the 1860s and culminating with mid-twentieth-century movements.

In the company of Michael Paraskos we will explore how modern artists responded to the changing world around them and how society, in turn, reacted to their innovations. From understanding how the Impressionists used the latest scientific discoveries to select their colour palettes, to examining the influence of the atomic age on new sculptural forms, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the factors that shaped modern art.

Our discussions will cover a range of movements and figures, including Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Pop Art, with artists such as Monet, Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol.

The sessions are designed to be accessible and engaging, encouraging lively discussions and debates on the artworks and themes presented.

All welcome, no previous experience necessary.

Term dates

•  Autumn Term: week beginning 20 October 2026 until week ending 12 December 2026

•  Spring Term: week beginning 12 January 2027 until week ending 13 March 2027

Any questions?

For course content enquiries: Contact the course tutor, Dr Michael Paraskos at  m.paraskos@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

Recordings of these classes will be available (T&Cs apply).

Imperial certificates

This course has no exams or assessments, so you can focus on enjoying your learning. Regular attendance may also lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate. (T&Cs apply).