KRS2060

Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art

Coordinator to be advised

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton - Prerequisites: First-year sequence, or with approval of course coordinator

Objectives On completion of this subject students should have acquired an understanding of Aboriginal art from an historical and philosophical point of view; shown an understanding of comparative elements of Indigenous and Western art; developed analytical skills appropriate to an understanding of Aboriginal art; and familiarised themselves with the range of concepts and issues in Aboriginal art.

Synopsis The main topics will include traditional Aboriginal art, its history, approaches, forms, techniques, methods, social and communal aspects; uniqueness of Aboriginal art; its uses; Aboriginal identity through art; its effects on non-Aboriginal people; the rise of contemporary Aboriginal art; collecting and exhibiting Aboriginal art; tourist art versus fine art, copyright, production, critics and reviews and marketing.

Assessment Seminar paper (2000 words): 25% - Research assignment (3000 words): 45% - Class test (1 hour): 20% - Attendance and participation: 10%

Recommended texts

Altman and others Marketing of Aboriginal art in the 1990s Aboriginal Studies Press, 1990
Berndt R and C Aboriginal Australian art, 1980
Isaacs J Aboriginal artists UQP, 1989
Ucks P Form in indigenous art AIAS, 1977

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