ARTS230

Description

"We do not usually see words, we read them," writes poet Rosmarie Waldrop. In this class we will see words and read images. We will explore work that collapses the line between the visual and the verbal: text-based visual art, such as the work of Glenn Ligon, Jenny Holzer, and Maria Damon; work that revolts against the "transparency" of language and draws attention to letters as shapes (e.g. concrete poetry); work that blurs the line between writing and image by treating drawing as a form of writing and writing as a form of drawing; and cinematic works in which text disrupts and melds with story and image. We will pursue our own text-image projects, experimenting with writing, sewing, printing, drawing and direct animation filmmaking techniques. Printmaking will include methods such as relief, serigraphs, collagraphs, monotype, polyester lithography and intaglio. Using textile-specific materials and different stitches, we will create text and image with thread on paper and fabric. Projects will include samplers, zines, artist books and cameraless film. This class will be of special interest to studio art, creative writing and MCA majors and minors. The problem that students will confront in this Problem of Practice course is: How do professional artists produce, collaborate on, and exhibit their artwork (both visual art and writing)? To answer this question, students will embark on four hands-on, experiential art/book/film-making projects in which they will need to apply creativity, ingenuity and research to overcome the kinds of obstacles that practicing artists encounter in their art making practice. Students will learn from professional artists who will visit the class to offer their expertise. Part of the learning for this course will center outside of the classroom space: students will spend an entire day at the American Antiquarian Society doing archival research, emulating practicing artists and the research and praxis methods crucial to artistic production. Thus, the course allows students to explore future professional paths through a deep dive into the knowledge and skills required to be a practicing artist encountering real-world problems in their field. Students will be charged a V & PA lab fee upon registering for this course.