TAD2136 - Contemporary art and cultural meaning

Offered

Prato Trimester 2 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

Using a major international exhibition of contemporary art as an example, the historic, cultural and conceptual sources of the work will be examined. These will be identified and placed in the contexts in which they evolved, demonstrating how the context and the work have jointly generated meaning. The unit thus explores the synergies which inspire the creation of contemporary art. Original art work will be used, taking advantages of field work opportunities

Objectives

On the successful completion of this subject students should have:

1. Considered major examples of contemporary art;
2. Examined the historic/cultural sources for this art;
3. Considered the cultural, historical and theoretical context of the work;
4. Evaluated the aesthetic, social and conceptual values on which the contemporary work is based;
5. Raised issues of criticism in regard to the role of the work, its relation to the exhibition and the nature of the exhibition in the context of the contemporary international art world.

Assessment

One research book (3000 words): 50%
One essay (2500 words): 50%

Contact hours

40 hours of lectures/seminars over two weeks and 112 hours of independent study

Prerequisites

TAD1101,TAD1102, TAD1203