The Lens-Based Image: Theory, Criticism, Practice

Description

The focus of this program will be on photographic theory, criticism and practice. Photographic images pervade every facet of our society and affect almost all of our thoughts and emotions. Though their intentions can be elusive, and dependant on context, they are always present and should be approached with a critical mind and eye.

This program is designed for beginning photographers and will emphasize seeing, thinking and creating with thoughtful inquiry in hopes of providing a better understanding of the construction and manipulation of an image's meaning and form. All of the exercises, lectures, presentations, film screenings, gallery visits, critiques, etc. are designed to develop each student's technical, theoretical and conceptual approach to the subject matter and his/her understanding of the connections between these three elements. Students will carry out art historical research as well as visual research to support personal artistic inquiry. Students will be expected to rigorously pursue their personal studio work while participating in interdisciplinary critiques of their work and the work of others.

Students should be prepared to do work in critical thinking, reading, writing, and most of all, art production. Seeing, thinking, visualizing and creating "exercises" will be assigned. Students should be prepared to actively engage in these exercises which might, at times, seem fundamental-for instance, making a photogram. Students should be prepared to complete a significant, but reasonable, number of assigned readings. Seminar readings will inform our understanding of aesthetics generated from lens-based images. Students should be prepared to complete a significant, but reasonable, amount of writing on the arts. Each week, students will be required to demonstrate active studio practice in relationship to their personal work.