Ideas and visual communication
2 points * One 1-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week * First semester * Caulfield * Prerequisites: GDN2161 and GDN2162
Objectives On the successful completion of this subject students will have explored the relationship between ideas and images in the work of a range of artists and designers; have examined idea-development and its relation to creativity; be familiar with theories of perception and their role in explaining communication; have considered a variety of important developments in twentieth century thought and their parallels in visual culture.
Synopsis This subject demonstrates the relationship between ideas and imagery in the visual culture of the twentieth century. Modernist and postmodernist art, design and media imagery will be considered including experimental art activities and their impact on mainstream culture. The role that ideas have had in generating change will be a major topic, exploring how concepts drawn from all areas of culture, psychology, philosophy, sociology, technology and the sciences have had a formative effect on the visual culture of the century. The role of electronic media will be considered, its particular communicative processes and the function it has performed in shaping and reflecting society. Major art movements will be covered in relation to the concepts they reflect and the impact they have on the design arts. Advertising will be examined as a reflection of community ideas and its role in the formulation of change in society considered. Social values will also be discussed showing how visual imagery reflects changes in ideals, values and expectations. Perception will form a major topic. The factors influencing perception and the many variables that control how something is interpreted will be examined. The overall aim of the subject will be the exploration of popular culture and the ideas that have shaped it, sharpening student awareness of the role ideas play in creative activity.
Assessment Research essay: 50% * Seminar presentation: 50%
References
Barthes R Mythologies Paladin
Best D Feeling and reason in the arts Allen and Unwin
Hoffert B Art notes Longman Cheshire
Hospers J Artistic expression Appleton Century Crofts
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