TAD2109 - Constructing art in Australia: colonialism to postcolonialism 2

Leader: Dr Robert Nelson

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit is a study of visual practices within Australia from colonisation to contemporary contexts. The unit will address issues of representation, nationalism and nationhood, multiculturalism, ethnicity, aboriginalty and gender. The position of the Australian artists in negotiating cultural identity is a central concern. Indigenous artistic practices and urban aboriginal and urban aboriginal art will be considered, as well as post-modern visual and cirtical practices that cut across boundaries and explore new modes of representation.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

1. recognise the range of visual practices that have operated within Australian culture from both an historical and contemporary perspective;
2. understand the significance and ideological uses of Australian visual practices in constructing notions of national identity;
3. have a post-colonial perspective in contextualizing the historical and social developments of Australian visual culture;
4. critically discuss the cultural practices of Australian artists and designers, in historical, artistic, ideological and socio-political contexts, and theorise the basis for the marginalisation of certain individuals and groups;
5. be aware of the problematical nature of Australian artistic practices especially in terms of the local artist/designer's position within both regional and international contexts.

Assessment

A review of contemporary Australian Art exhibition (1000 words) : 25%+ A class paper (equivalent to 1000) words: 25%
An essay (2500 words): 50%

Contact hours

12 hours per week including 3 hours in lectures and seminars and 9 hours of independent study

Prerequisites

Must have passed 12 credit points at Year 1.

Prohibitions

TAD3109