ART 360B:

Interdisciplinary Concepts of Time and Space in Contemporary Art

Spring 2007
M, W 11:30-2:20
Room: Art 228

Instructor: Timea Tihanyi

 

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for readings, assignments, and technical notes

SYLLABUS and Course Information

Course Description
ART360 explores a wide range of issues of TIME and SPACE in the contemporary studio art process through a variety of formats and materials.
The objective of the course is to develop concepts for using and moving freely among two-, three-dimensional and time-based media. Class time will be spent on topical discussions and presentations, consultations, critiques, logistical issues, and work in the SOACC. The majority of assignments will need to be done outside of class time, sometimes at outside/off campus locations. Expect to spend at least 6-8hours/week. One-on-one consultations, technical help and group brainstorming sessions will prepare you to tackle challenges from the conception of the initial idea to the execution of the finished project.

A major component of the course will be exposure to artists working with digital video, installation, performance, and new media through screenings, assigned readings, gallery visits, artist lectures and discussions in order to develop a familiarity with many contemporary examples of artistic process addressing space and time.


Expectations
1. Participate in building an environment of learning and experimentation where:
a. taking risks and challenging conventions is preferred;
b. safe to ask questions and debate issues;
c. positive and critical feedback is offered in a supportive spirit;
d. all participants are attentive and respectful of each other.

2. Class begins and ends at the appointed time. Arrive on time and prepared to discuss your progress with the project as well as the assigned topic.

3. Be responsible for your own successful completion of the course. This means to:
a. Experiment, challenge yourself and strive for new ideas. It is about the process and not about the product.
b. Attend all sessions and complete all assignments on time. Participation in discussions and critiques is required and an important part of your course experience (and grade.)
c. If sudden illness, emergency or random act of nature should prevent you from attending class, contact me (timea@u.washington.edu) IN ADVANCE.
If you take an absence you are responsible for following up with a classmate, receiving any assignments and completing them on time.
d. All projects must be completed and presented on time. Late projects will not be accepted.

4. Access to digital video equipment and editing is shared; for this reason and for the time-intensive process of video production and editing you need to be very organized and conscientious in planning and managing project work time.

5. Always leave your work area clean. Observe safety, traffic flow, and maintenance rules when working in public spaces outside of the classroom. Attain permission before installing your project. LEAVE NO TRACE policy applies!

6. Absolutely NO cell phone calls are to be taken during class. Turn off and put away all cell phones and iPods/MP3 players for the entire duration of class.

7. If you have any questions, concerns regarding the class or need extra help, talk to me.


Assignments
You will complete three major projects throughout the course. The first two (Video and Installation) will feature specific parameters to work within; the third will be an open Final Project.
Each project will be presented in a group critique session in the format appropriate to the project’s conception.
The final project may be done at any chosen outside location and documented thoroughly and appropriately. During final critique (May 30th) you only need to present the documentation of your finished final project.
In addition, during the quarter you’ll be responsible of attending at least two of the artist lectures marked on the course schedule as well as conducting and presenting a short research of a chosen artist.

Evaluation
Your final grade will be determined by the following:
• Effort shown in, artistic merit of completed projects: 40%
• Preliminary project development: 10%
• Participation in class activities, including critiques, class discussions, etc.: 20%
• Preparedness to discuss assigned readings, site visits and screenings: 10%
• Professional manner, individual effort, commitment, progress throughout the quarter: 20%

You are responsible for purchasing:
• Notebook/sketchbook
• 1 Mini DV (digital video) tape
• Writable CDs and DVDs (CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-RW)

You are encouraged to explore and utilize all sorts of materials (conventional and unconventional).
Explore thrift stores, hardware stores, family member’s attics and basements, etc. for inspiring stuff and ideas.

Consultation and demos on unfamiliar materials and techniques are always available upon your request.

Equipment NOT REQUIRED but helpful if you have or able to borrow:
• digital camera
• digital video camera
• tripod
• USB portable data storage unit “flashdrive” for backup and archiving
• or external removable hard drive (Firewire drive)

Art Resources
Research:
SOA Library and Slide Library (1st floor)

Equipment - laptops and data projectors:
SOA Media Center (basement)
Classroom Support Services: STF Equipment (Kane Hall or reserve online: http://www.css.washington.edu/STFEquipment)
- video and digital cameras, tripods:
SOA Computing Center (2nd floor)

Additional Editing: Odegaard Library

Woodshop: SOA Woodshop (1st floor)
You’ll be checked out on the equipment before you are allowed to use it on your own.

Nearest Art Supply:
Thrift stores, dumpster and recycling
Hardwicks Hardware on Roosevelt & 43th
Artist and Craftsman Supply (behind PETCO off of 45th)
ACE Hardware on the Ave

Tentative Course SCHEDULE

 

Readings, Technical Specs and Assignments:

PROJECT #1: Time-based image - ASSIGNMENT HANDOUT

Reading: Funes, his memory by Jorge Luis Borges

Final Cut Pro Quick Help Notes

PROJECT #2: Installation - ASSIGNMENT HANDOUT

Sandpoint gallery - Directions and Map

Installation Research Handout

Installation Self Evaluation Guidelines

FINAL PROJECT: Time and Space - ASSIGNMENT HANDOUT