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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 279"
COURSE NAME: "Issues and Trends in Contemporary Art"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gianni Ilaria
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 11:30-12:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: One previous course in Art History or permission of the instructor.
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course ‘Issues and Trends in Contemporary Art’ will introduce students to the most relevant directions art has taken from the 1950s until today through readings, class lectures, on-site museum and gallery visits, studio visits with artists. We will consider the development of art movements such as Pop Art, Performance Art, Land Art, Conceptual Art, Art and Language, Video Art and Public Art, mainly focusing on the development of Video Art. 

The course aims to develop an active connection and a tangible experience with contemporary art practices. Students will meet artists based in Rome, have the chance to experience the development of an art work, and understand how contemporary art practices are deeply connected to the evolution of society. 

Acquaintance with Modern art and the XX century avant-gardes is highly recommended. Some theoretical knowledge of visual culture is also required.

The course is taught by an independent curator and the Director of Nomas Foundation, whose current exhibition projects at museums and galleries in Italy and Europe will provide on-site learning opportunities to students. Guest lectures by curators, artists, and other art professionals are scheduled.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course explores Contemporary Art via slide lectures, gallery walks, and encounters with artists, critics, curators, dealers, and museum professionals. The first part of the course will offer on overview on the past 50 years and will introduce to the contemporary art scene, by first treating the prominent art movements (Pop Art, Fluxus, Arte Povera, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Transavanguardia, Video Art, Public Art, Relational Art).

The classes will then concentrate on tendencies and interests dealt with in recent artistic practice, more specifically on the use of the moving image as an artistic device. Video Art will be analyzed in its historical context and in its present use. We will focus on Video Art’s connection to photography, cinema, TV, documentary, and the deconstruction of video as a language through artistic experimentations, while reflecting on present systems of beliefs and ideals.

A part of the course focuses on visits to galleries, artist's studios, museums, foundations, not-for-profit spaces and foreign cultural institutes. An actual connection with the contemporary Roman art scene will be offered. Current methods of critical practice, in the form of magazine reviews, essays on contemporary art, documentary films will be studied and practiced.

The course will feature the series of guest lectures:

CRITICS PICK – Guest Lectures on Video Art Today

Five experts on video art will be invited to select a video work, introduce it, frame it within the contemporary art context, show it in class, and then engage in a conversation on the specific work with the students. These guest lectures aim at exploring current ideas and trends within contemporary art practices, while analyzing the employment of the film medium in art, its different uses and immense potentialities
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will learn how to experience contemporary art, how to read an artwork, how to relate with present art practices and how to interpret the relationship between cultural productions and social identities.

Students will also learn how to write a review on a show, how to analyze a single artwork,  how to interview an artist, how to relate cultural theory with art practice.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, PostmodernismHal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin BuchlohNew York, NY: Thames & Hudson0-500-23818-9     
Art Since 1960Michael ArcherNew York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 1997/20020-7148-3388-6     
Video ArtSylvia Martin, Uta Grosenick (edited by)Taschen, 20063822829501     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Live Art Since the '60sRoselee GoldbergNew York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 20040500282196  
Land ArtBen TufnellLondon: Tate Publishing, 20071854376047  
Film and Video ArtStuart Comer (edited by)London: Tate Publishing, 20081854376071  
Conceptual ArtTony GodfreyLondon: Phaidon Press, 1998/20040-7148-3388-6  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Attendance and participation (participation in class discussions and gallery visits: questions asked, involvement in the visits)15%
Mid-term exams (slide identification and a short written critical analysis of a particular movement studied during the course)20%
Review sessions (500 word reviews on art shows visited in Rome)30%
Final exam <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: times new roman;">(a slide identification and a written critical analysis of a particular movement studied during the course) </span>35%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Weekly readings will be assigned. Students will be asked to participate in class through the discussion of the analyzed readings.

Students will be also asked to familiarize with the panorama of Roman art and cultural scene visiting galleries, museums, foreign cultural institutes on their own.
Every month starting from the end of September students are requested to write two reviews on two different shows visited (6 reviews total).

The final exam with consist of a slide identification and a written critical analysis of a particular movement studied during the course.

In addition the students will work on a practical project carried on with video artists met in Rome throughout the year. Before being defined, the project will be discussed in class.


· Attendance and participation - 15% of final grade.

· Mid-term exams - 25% of final grade (slide identification and a short written critical analysis of a particular movement studied during the course).

· Review sessions - 30% of the final grade

· Final exam - 30% of the final grade: (a slide identification and a written critical analysis of a particular movement studied during the course)
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

 


Tuesday, September 4

Introduction to the course

What is contemporary art?
Who is the contemporary artist?

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Thursday, September 6

The 1950s
Abstract Impressionism: Action Painting & Color Field

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Abstract Expressionism – p. 348-354

- Pollock – p. 355 – 359

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Tuesday, September 11

The 1950s
Pop Art 

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- The Independent Group – p. 385-390

- John and Stella – p. 404-410

- American Pop Art – p. 445-449

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Thursday, September 13

NO CLASS –Make-up day on Friday, October 26

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Tuesday, September 18

The 1960s
Pop Art

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Oldenburg and Happenings – p. 450-455

- Warhol – p. 486-491

----------------------

Thursday, September 20

The 1960s
Andy Warhol's cinema

Reading:

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 11-25 (end of first paragraph on page 25)

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Friday, September 21 (make up day for Thursday, November 1)

The 1950s – 1960s
Nouveau Realisme – Kinetic Art – Op Art

Reading:

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 25 (beginning of second paragraph ) – 33 (end of second paragraph)

----------------------

Tuesday, September 25

The 1960s – 1970s
Minimal Art

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Judd, Morris, and Minimalism – p. 492-495

- Andre, Flavin, Lewitt – p. 470 - 474

 

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 43 (second paragraph) - 59

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Thursday, September 27

The 1960s – 1970s
Land Art

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Smithson and Entropy – p. 505-508

- Site Specific Art – p. 540 - 544

 

From: Ben Tufnell, Land Art, London: Tate Publishing, 2007

- Introduction – The New Landscape Art – p. 6-19

- Simple, Practical, Emotional. Quiet, Vigorous. The Art of Richard Long – p. 20-32

 

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 88 (beginning of second paragraph – 96 (end of first paragraph)

-------------------------

Tuesday, October 2

The 1960s – 1970s
Arte Povera

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Arte Povera – p. 509-514

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 84 (beginning of second paragraph) – 88 (end of first paragraph)

----------------------

Thursday, October 4

The 1960s – 1970s
Conceptual Art

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Conceptual Art – p. 527 – 539

- Postminimalism and Process – p- 534-537

- Marcel Broodthaers – p. 534-537

- Documenta 5 – p. 555-558

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 61-84 (end of first paragraph)

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Tuesday, October 9

Mid term exams

 *** 1st REVIEW DUE ***

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Thursday, October 11

The 1950s – 1970s
Performance Art: Gutai, Fluxus and Viennese Actionism 

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Gutai – p. 373-378

- Fluxus – p. 456-463

- Viennese Actionism – p. 464-469

- Beuys – p. 480-485

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 100 (beginning of second paragraph - 108

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Friday, October 12

NO CLASS –Make-up day on Friday, October 26

-------------------------

Tuesday, October 16

The 1950s – 1970s
Performance Art

Reading:

From: RoseLee Goldberg, Performance Art, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2001

p. 128 – 132

p 144 – 171

----------------------

Thursday, October 18

Performance Art – 1970s – 1990s

Reading: 

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- American Performance Art – p. 565-569

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 100 (beginning of the last paragraph) – 108

From: RoseLee Goldberg, Performance Art, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2001

- p. 128 – 132

- p 144 – 171

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Tuesday, October 23

The 1980s
Return to Painting: Transavanguardia / Neo-Expressionists / Graffit 

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- Richter and Kiefer – p. 612- 616

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 143 – 152 (end of second paragraph)

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Thursday, October 25

The YBA Generation and Video Art

 Reading:

From; Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson 

- Postminimalism revisted – p. 635-638 

From: Gregor Muir, Lucky Kunst, The Story of YBA, London: Aurum Press Ltd, 2009 

- Year Zero: Birth of the White Cube – p. 17-25

- Building One: A Career Decision – p. 25-34

- Founder Members: Hirst, Joplin and Saatchi – p. 35-42

- Icons: The Shock of the New – p. 43-47

- Penetration: The Emerging Scene – p. 49-56

- Closing Down: Recession – p. 59-71

- White Cube – p. 73-77

- Champagne Supernova: New Labour, Cool Britannia and Sensation – p. 195-205

 *** 2nd REVIEW DUE ***

----------------------

Friday, October 26(make up day for Thursday September 13 and Friday, October 12)

Visit to MAXXI

----------------------

Tuesday, October 30

No Class – Make up day Friday, November 16

----------------------

Thursday, November 1

NO CLASS  - Holiday

----------------------

Tuesday, November 6

The 1990s
Video Art
Focus on: Bill Viola / William Kentridge 

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson 

- The resurgence of drawing – p. 650- 653

From: Sylvia Martin, Uta Grosenick (edited by), Video Art, London: Taschen, 2006.

Pages tbc

Watching:

*Bill Viola, The Reflecting Pool (1979)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_urrt8X0l8&feature=related

*Bill Viola, The Greeting (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg0IyGUVXaQ 

*Bill Viola, The Lovers (2005)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfnqQmmttxE&feature=related

*William Kentridge, Johannesburg (1989)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXxCknnNPOI&feature=fvst

*William Kentridge, Monument (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSjqwzPjbe0

*William Kentridge, Mine (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7WtFZKwdtc 

*William Kentridge, Sobriety, Obesity and Growing Old (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZIvwKtMzZ0

*William Kentridge, Felix in Exile (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk5tPkqQoL0 

*William Kentridge, History of the Main Complaint (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1sPLXMg1BQ 

*William Kentridge, Weighing and Wanting (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45rudITu8Zc

*William Kentridge, Stereoscope (1999)
http://www.ubu.com/film/kentridge_stereoscope.html

----------------------

Thursday, November 8

No Class – Make up day Friday, November 16

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Tuesday, November 13

The 1990s
Video Art
Focus on: Douglas Gordon / Matthew Barney / Pierre Huyghe

Reading:

From: Hal Foster, Rosalind Krauss, Yve-Alain Bois, and Benjamin Buchloh, Art Since 1900: Modernism, Antimodernism, Postmodernism, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson

- The projected image – p. 654-658

From: Michael Archer, Art Since 1960, New York, NY: Thames & Hudson, 2006

- p. 213 - 244

From: Sylvia Martin, Uta Grosenick (edited by), Video Art, London: Taschen, 2006

Pages tbc

Watching:

*Meet Douglas Gordon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXY99WS-Byo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjYb6EN0v8w&feature=channel

* Matthew Barney
http://www.cremaster.net/

*** 3rd REVIEW DUE ***

------------------------

Thursday, November 15

Performance Art

Guest Lecture: to be confirmed   

----------------------

Friday, November 16 (make up day for Tuesday October 30 and Thursday November 8)

Visit to MACRO

----------------------

Tuesday, November 20

Performance Art

Guest Lecture: to be confirmed   

*** 4th REVIEW DUE ***

-----------

Thursday, November 22

NO CLASS  - Holiday

----------------------

Tuesday, November 27

Performance Art

Guest Lecture: to be confirmed   


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Thursday, November 29

Performance Art

Guest Lecture: to be confirmed   

----------------------

Tuesday, December 4

Course Recap

 --------------------

Thursday, December 6

Course Recap

*** 5th REVIEW DUE ***

 

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* Alterations and/or additions to the schedule may take place. Programs will be confirmed during the course.

 * Reading and watching indications will be given during the course.