New Identities for Dangerous Times
with Ajay Kurian
(8 sessions)
Description
What does it mean to make identity-based art? Is all art identity-based? And in an era where the art world claims to be reckoning with representation, what does it mean to consolidate versus complicate identity in art?
In this course, we trace the roots of identity politics from the 1970s Combahee River Collective through the rise of 'identity art' in the 1990s, and into today's polarized discourse. As culture wars rage on, we examine how identity continues to shape contemporary art—both as a site of empowerment and a commodity of the market.
For artists of color navigating these complex histories, what does it mean to make work now? And how do we push beyond the limits of visibility into something deeper?
Join us as we ask the questions that define our moment.
Syllabus
Week 1: The Roots of Identity Politics
Week 2: The Conservative Movement of the 1980s + Culture Wars of the 1990s
Week 3: Appropriation: Colonial, Cultural, and otherwise
Week 4: Flipping it: Stereotype as Weapon
Week 5: White Identity Art: No Longer Neutral
Week 6: Biennials, Service, and Critique: Should Art Educate the Masses?
Week 7: The Future of Identity
Week 8: Final Projects and Presentations
Expectations
Who is this course for?
This course is for artists of all backgrounds who want to critically engage with the ways identity shapes artistic practice, history, and discourse. Whether you feel directly impacted by these conversations or are looking to better understand the shifting landscape of contemporary art, this course offers a space to deepen your perspective, challenge assumptions, and expand your artistic framework.
Why take this course?
- Expand Your Understanding of Art History – Gain insights into histories and narratives that may not have been central in traditional art education.
- Deepen Your Critical Thinking – Explore how identity functions in contemporary art, not as a fixed category, but as a dynamic and evolving conversation.
- Refine Your Artistic Voice – Whether your work directly engages with identity or not, this course will help you develop a more nuanced approach to the themes that shape the art world today.
- Engage in Meaningful Dialogue – Be part of an intellectually rigorous yet welcoming environment where different perspectives can be explored with depth and care.
- Strengthen Your Studio Practice – Through critique, structured exercises, and peer exchange, develop work that is informed, intentional, and relevant.
Requirements:
✔ Artists 18+
✔ Artists actively engaged in a studio practice
✔ Artists who enjoy reading, discussion, and critical thinking
✔ Artists interested in how identity intersects with art and history
What You’ll Do:
🎨 Studio Work – Complete 1 final project + 5+ structured exercises
🖼 Critique & Discussion – Participate in thoughtful, hospitable peer critiques
📖 Reading & Research – Engage with 8+ key authors and artists
🗣 Presentation – Lead a short discussion on one assigned reading
🎤 Guest Engagements – Learn from special guest speakers (to be announced)
What You’ll Get:
🔥 Community & Connection – Access to the NewCrits Discord (New Identities Course Channel)
📚 Exclusive Resources – Access to the NewCrits Substack + downloadable guides (artist PDFs, consignment forms, etc.)
👩🏫 Mentorship & Feedback – Structured critique sessions and discussions
🎙 Live Conversations – Opportunities to engage with leading contemporary artists and thinkers
This course is more than a study of identity—it’s a space for dialogue, self-discovery, and artistic expansion.
Questions
General Course Information
1. Who is this course for?
Artists, curators, writers, and anyone interested in understanding how identity shapes contemporary and historical art practices.
2. Do I need to be an artist to take this course?
No! While artists may benefit from this course, it is open to anyone interested in identity and visual culture.
3. How long is the course?
The course runs for 8 weeks with 2 hr weekly live Zoom sessions and additional resources provided.
4. What topics will be covered?
We’ll cover themes such as:
- The role of identity in historical and contemporary art
- The politics of self-representation
- Race, gender, and cultural appropriation in art
- The ethics of storytelling and visibility in creative work
Logistics & Technology
5. How will the course be delivered?
Live Zoom sessions with interactive discussions, artist talks, and group critique. Sessions will be recorded for later access.
6. What happens if I miss a class?
All sessions are recorded and available for enrolled students to watch later.
7. Do I need any special materials?
No special materials are required, but we may suggest optional readings or activities to enhance your experience.
8. What are the technical requirements?
You'll need:
- A stable internet connection
- A device (laptop or tablet) with Zoom installed
- A quiet space for discussion
Engagement & Community
9. Will I get to interact with the instructor and other students?
Yes! This is an interactive course with discussions, Q&A, and community engagement through live sessions and optional breakout groups.
10. Is there homework or assignments?
There will be optional readings, prompts, and reflections, but no required assignments. The goal is to spark conversation and creative exploration.
11. Will there be guest speakers?
Yes! We’ll have guest artists, critics, and scholars join throughout the course to share their perspectives.
Pricing & Enrollment
12. How much does the course cost?
For early sign-ups, we’re offering a discounted rate of $800 before the full price increases to $1200.
13. Is financial aid available?
We offer a limited number of scholarships and sliding-scale options. Contact us to learn more.
14. Can I pay in installments?
Yes, we offer a payment plan to make the course more accessible.
15. How do I enroll?
Click the "Apply Here" button up top, enter your details, and you’ll receive an email confirmation with next steps.
Certification & Future Opportunities
16. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes! A certificate of completion will be provided for those who attend at least 6/8 of the sessions.
17. Will there be future courses?
Yes! This is the first of several courses on art and critical theory. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming topics.
18. What if I have more questions?
Feel free to email us at info@newcrits.studio, and we’d be happy to help!
Teachers
Ajay Kurian
he/himAjay Kurian is an artist, writer, and the founder of NewCrits, a global education platform supporting artists of all backgrounds and experience.
He's taught at many institutions, including Parsons, Yale, Columbia, and the Maryland Institute. He was faculty at Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2023 and will be faculty at Bard this coming summer (2025).
Kurian has exhibited worldwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA PS1, The Fridericianum in Kassel Germany, K11 Museum in Shanghai, among many others.
Kurian lives in Brooklyn, New York. He holds a BA from Columbia University in Visual Arts and Art History.