Introduction to recurring themes and practices in the visual arts. Moves beyond medium-based categories, surveying a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and create content in contemporary art. Examines the importance and influence of the visual arts in the larger context of contemporary culture and society.
Art260 examines the importance and implications of the visual arts in the larger context of our culture. We will consider how cultural, social, economical and technological changes have impacted the field of contemporary visual arts, and how artists have responded to these changes. The emphasis of the course is on providing you with tools to engage contemporary art on discursive, critical, and intellectual levels. We move through a variety of themes during the course of the quarter, discussing significant art movements, ideas, and artists related to a few selected topics within the theme.
Student learning goals
Develop tools to engage contemporary art on critical and intellectual levels. Practice these in weekly short writing assignments.
Attain proper vocabulary for discussing contemporary art.
Become familiar with most important contemporary artists and artworks.
Develop a solid conceptual base for 300 and 400 level interdisciplinary studio practice, including Art360 topics classes and Art400 senior studio.
Document assignments and learning process in the ARTBOOK final project.
General method of instruction
Class discussions and presentations create a contextual framework for the information and assignments presented. In addition, guest artists and other art professionals are invited to speak about their own work and art making process. Guests may lead short art making projects in class to develop ideas for the many ways art making may happen.
5credits at 100 or 200 art classes are strongly suggested. The course is a requirement for all IVA majors.
Class assignments and grading
Assigned readings and writing assignments are the core of this course. There will be site visits, and various research and art making projects. These provide an opportunity to engage with concepts and ideas in a more focused way. The final project is a blog/journal (ARTBOOK) about contemporary art.
Homework assignments + Vocabulary quizzes: 55% Final Project: 25% Participation: 20%