UCL - Special problems of contemporary art

[ARKM2770]

[15h] 5 credits

This course is taught in the 2d semester.

Teacher(s): Alexander Streitberger

Language: French

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

The course will deepen the knowledge about the production and the aesthetic concepts in contemporary art. It is the aim of the seminar that the student develops a critical sense and analytical methods as well as the ability to deal with a specific subject in contemporary art.

Main themes

The course discusses specific problems related to the interpretation of contemporary art including the functions of art in certain institutional and social contexts.

Content and teaching methods

Contents: The main topic to be treated during the year 2007/2008 is the impact of photography on contemporary art. More specifically, the seminar will treat about artistic movements and tendencies like conceptual art, pop art and land art as well as the artist-photographers which use exclusively photography in their artistic work like the Bechers and their disciples, Jeff Wall, Cindy Sherman, etc. The main topic will be the function of photography as a representation of reality as well as an artificial construction. The analysis of the works will be accompanied by the reading of important articles of the photographic discourse.
The content and the structure of the course will be related to the courses Special problems of modern art and art and new media.
Teaching methods: Talks will be given by the teacher, invited speakers and students. It is expected that the students familiarize themselves with the topics by reading one or more related articles before each session. A list of articles will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Reading list: Charlotte Cotton, La photographie dans l'art contemporain, Paris (Thames & Hudson) 2005.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisites: A course of art of the 20th century.
Evaluation: The students are evaluated on the basis of their active participation, one presentation and one thesis about a specific subject.
Support : The bibliography, the seminar talks (ppt files) and a summary of the course will be published on the intranet of the department ARKE.