TAD2209

Ideas and visual communication

6 points
* One 2-hour lecture, one 1-hour tutorial and 9 independent study hours per week
* First semester
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: Two second-year level subjects from theory of art and design (TAD) subjects

Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students should appreciate the relationship between ideas and images in the work of a range of artists and designers; understand the challenges of examining idea development and its relation to creativity; be familiar with theories of perception and their role in explaining communication; appreciate 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 is considered, including experimental art activities and their impact on mainstream culture. The role that ideas have had in generating change is 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 this century. The role of electronic media is considered, its particular communicative processes and the functions it performs in shaping and reflecting society. Major art movements are covered in relation to the concepts they reflect and the impact they have on the design arts. Advertising is examined as a reflection of community ideas and its role in the formulation of change in society is considered. Social values are discussed showing how visual imagery reflects changes in ideals, values and expectations. Perception forms a major topic. The factors influencing perception and the many variables that control how something is interpreted are examined. The overall aim of this subject is the exploration of popular culture and the ideas that have shaped it, sharpening students awareness of the role ideas play in creative activity.

Assessment Research essay: 50%
* Seminar presentation: 50%

Recommended texts

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