FNA2123*

Aesthetics and art practice: the nature of art

3 points - Two hours lectures/tutorials per week plus 4 hours independent study - First semester - Caulfield - Prerequisites: Successful completion of two second-year level TAD subjects - Corequisites: none - Prohibitions: TAD2402, TAD2412 - Elective

Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to recognise the range of concepts that are fundamental to the philosophy of art; identify the fundamental issues that relate these concepts to art production; see how these concepts may be related to the art work of the individual students; understand the scope and richness of the experience of art; and understand ways of integrating art theory and practice.

Synopsis An explanation of the concept of art will be conducted exploring its scope and variability. Fundamental issues of art will be considered including representation, aesthetic experience, the expression of emotion and creativity, drawing on discussions given by various philosophers, artists and critics. The concept of beauty will also be considered in relation to its possible meanings and how these depend on particular cultural frameworks discussed. Symbolism will also be explored, how its meaning is generated and how it is used. A series of views related to definition will also be presented showing the strengths and weaknesses of each and the validity of the issue of definition in art discussed.

Assessment Project: 50% - Written assignment (1500 words): 50%

Recommended texts

Berger J Ways of seeing BBC, 1972
Weitz M Problems in aesthetics Macmillan
Wollheim R Art and its objects Harper
Gombrich E and Eribon D Looking for answers Abrams
Hoffert B Art notes Longman, 1993
Hoffert B et al. Art in diversity Addison Wesley Longman 2nd edn, 1995

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