This study day explores concepts of avant-gardism, and the ways in which these have been deployed to historicise and interpret twentieth century art. It begins with an overview of key theorists including Clement Greenberg and Peter Bürger, before considering in more detail the different political contexts in which an artistic vanguard developed in Europe: the First World War, the Russian Revolution and the subsequent consolidation of the European dictatorships. Speakers also discuss the notion of a post-war neo-avant-garde, and raise issues about the value of thinking in terms of avant-gardes when it comes to contemporary artistic practices.The study day will be most useful for those with some existing knowledge in histories and theories of modern art.