The notion of the still life, from its traditional art historical milieu, to its function as a metaphor for artwork in general, will be explored in the context of contemporary art practice via a series of rigorous studio-based projects. To facilitate a unique visual vocabulary, students will be encouraged to work experimentally with still life objects selected for their conceptual relevance to issues concerning personal identity and culture. This preliminary research will be extended into individual self-initiated projects resulting in a resolved series of contemporary artworks aimed at public presentation or gallery exhibition. During sessions, formal issues will be considered in relation to conceptual concerns such as clarity of intention as it is embodied in the work/s of art. Academics will draw upon and discuss examples of various historical and contemporary artworks and the concept of research in the visual arts.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.