Studio Art for Interdisciplinary Practice module (DJ51035)

This module will introduce you to contemporary art as a form of practical thinking and critical creativity. Each week we will be investigating a key question that can be asked of contemporary art, broadly seen as a cross-medial and cross-disciplinary practice, such as:

• what is the role of the artist in contemporary society?
• how have artistic practices changed in the digital age?
• what is relational aesthetics?
• does the sublime still exist?
• can we speak of political art in a post-political age?

We will introduce the theoretical approaches that allow you to develop answers to these questions, from feminism, post-colonialism, and queer theory to astrophysics and big data patterning, covering some of the key debates in contemporary art today. This module will also enable you to develop experimental methodologies in a range of media: painting, sculpture, printmaking, film, performance, and digital art.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• critically analyse a variety of art practices and their relationship to different cultural, historical, and philosophical contexts
• be able to incorporate this knowledge into your critical practical work

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• demonstrate the development of working methods, both technical and conceptual
• understand how to articulate a critical position
• use reflective methods in the definition of your research and practice
• demonstrate consideration of the suitability of methods
• develop skills to lead and engage in discussions and confidence in articulating a critical position
• develop interpersonal and presentation skills, organisational, and time management skills

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)
  • includes a presentation and documentation

This module will offer formative feedback and summative assessment at the end of the module.

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

Teaching methods:

• Individual tutorials (fortnightly)
• Group tutorials (twice during the semester)
• Lectures on key theories (weekly)
• Student-led seminars (weekly)
• Artist talks from invited speakers
• Subject specific technical advice from workshop staff.

You will also have access to school wide events such as the weekly CAP (Contemporary Art Practice) speakers programme and open tutorials from CAP staff.

Artist led workshops and studio visits will be arranged to coincide with exhibitions, residencies and screenings when available.

Self directed independent study. You will be required to document the development of your practice-led research, engage in debates, and critically evaluate your own and others’ practice.

Lecture programme: