Syllabus

ART/MEDIA/PRAXIS

F/W/S 06-07

BILL VIOLA Poem A (installation view), 2005 Video installation

Faculty: Joe Feddersen and Laurie Meeker

Pre-requisites: Junior/Senior standing One year college-level study in visual arts or media arts

Special Expenses: $300 – 400 per quarter for art and media supplies

Internship Possibilities: Spring only with faculty approval

Total Credits: 48 credits, 16 per quarter

ART/MEDIA/PRAXIS is an intermediate/advanced interdisciplinary arts program, examining current issues in contemporary visual and media arts. The program will engage both theory and practice [PRAXIS] in the pursuit of a forum for interdisciplinary collaboration. We will focus on the intersections between visual arts and the moving image, examining installation and site-specific works. Students will develop their skills in critical writing as well as art/media production. Students entering the program will be expected to be proficient in one medium (i.e., painting, film, printmaking, video, animation, photography, drawing, digital media, sculpture...) and will develop at least one interdisciplinary collaborative project in addition to the opportunity for pursuing individual work.

ART/MEDIA/PRAXIS will include periods of intensive study in contemporary art/media theory with readings, film screenings, field trips and guest artists. During the fall, visual arts and media skills will be assessed, and supplemental workshops will be offered to build student skills in video, sculpture, film, printmaking, and/or photography (depending on needs). To build writing skills, students will produce at least four critical analyses of visual/media artworks. During winter, students will produce collaborative works that merge visual arts and the moving image. To inform this work, students will develop interdisciplinary research projects into a final paper and class presentation. Students will also develop their skills in proposal development, culminating in a proposal for spring project work that incorporates both visual and media arts.

Major Areas of Study Include: Art and Media History and Theory, Studio Arts, Media Production, Critical Writing, Art/Media Proposal Writing, Independent Projects in Art/Media Installation. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in: visual arts, media arts, communications. This program is also listed in: Native American and World Indigenous Peoples Studies.

FALL BOOK LIST

Direct Theory:  Experimental Film/Video as Major Genre; Edward S. Small, Southern University Press, 1994

Art After Modernism: Rethinking Representation; Edited by Brian Wallis & Marcia Tucker

Godine Press, 1994 (out of print. Selections reprinted)

Maya Deren and the American Avant-Garde; Edited by Bill Nichols, University of California Press, 2001

Installation Art in the New Millennium; Nicolas de Oliveira, Nicola Oxley, Michael Petry

Thames and Hudson, 2004

Unnatural Wonders: Essays from the Gap Between Art and Life; Arthur C Danto, FSG Books, 2005

Over Here: International Perspectives on Art and Culture; Edited by Gerardo Mosquera and Jean Fisher, MIT Press, 2004

CUT: Film as Found Object in Contemporary Video; Stephano Basilico, Milwaukee Art Museum, 2004 (PLEASE NOTE: this book was not available wholesale for the bookstore. Please purchase online from MAM at http://store.mam.org/detail.aspx?ID=230).

Journal to the Self: Twenty-Two Paths to Personal Growth - Open the Door to Self-Understanding by Reading, Writing, and Creating a Journal of Your Life; by Kathleen Adams, Warner Books, 1990

Writing About Art; by Henry M. Sayre, Prentice Hall; 5 edition, 2005

DAILY SCHEDULE:

WEEK ONE     Tuesday 10am-noon and 12:30-3pm in COM 308

Sept. 26          Orientation, Introductions, Form Peer Groups 10am-noon

Book Making Intro, Make Journals 12:30–3pm

READ FOR THURSDAY: Small, Pref & Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4 AND Adams, through p. 78

PLEASE NOTE: A seminar paper is due for each seminar. First one on Thursday!

Sept. 27           Wednesday, 9am-noon in CAB 110 (PLEASE NOTE SPECIAL START TIME)

Journal Workshop with Guest Artist Marilyn Frasca

Bring your new handmade journals to write in!

WEEK ONE     continued

Sept. 28          Thursday, 10-12 in LH 5

                        Journal Writing; Print Exchange Information, Linocut ex. (10-11)

                        Film Screening: European Avant-Garde Film (11-12)

Rhythmus 21, Hans Richter, Germany, 1921, 5 minutes

Symphony Diagonal, Viking Eggeling, France, 1922, 7 min.

Ballet Mechanique, Fernand Leger, France, 1924, 15 min.

Retour a la Raison, May Ray, France, 1925

Emak Bakia, Man Ray, France, 1926

Entr’acte, Rene Clair, France, 1924, 15 min.

Ghosts Before Breakfast, Hans Richter, 1928

Sources: Avant Garde: Experimental Cinema of the 1920s and ‘30s. Kino on Video, 2005 DVD

Anthology of Surreal Cinema, Vol.1, Cinematheque Francais, 2005, DVD, (Clair);

Avant Garde and Experimental Films, Video Yesteryear, 1999, VHS (Bunuel/Dali)

Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM 2 4115 

Film Screening: EAG; American Avant-Garde

Un Chien Andalou, Luis Bunuel/Salvador Dali, France, 1929, 16 min

Rain, Joris Ivens, The Netherlands, 1929, 12 min.

H20, Ralph Steiner, USA, 1929, 12 min.

Meshes of the Afternoon, Maya Deren, USA, 1943, 14 min.

Begone Dull Care, Norman McLaren, Canada, 1949, 9 min. DVD

A Movie, Bruce Connor, USA, 1958, 16mm, 12 min.

Meshes of the Afternoon, Maya Deren, 1943                                    Total running time: 75 min.

Seminar 3-5 on Small and films screened in class (4115 and 4107)

WORK ON: Drawings for Print, Print Exchange (3 drawings due for critique on Tuesday)

READ for next week: Small, Ch 5 & 6; Writing About Art, Ch. 1&2

ASSIGNMENT: Critical Analysis 1 – Film Analysis (see handout)

WEEK TWO    Tuesday 10am-noon and 1-3pm in COM 308 & 338

Oct. 3              Discuss Field Trip; Drawing Critique AM,

Seminar on Small, PM

DUE: Rough Draft of Critical Analysis 1 for peer review

Oct. 4              Wednesday, 9am-noon: Linocut Workshops in Print Studio

                        Joe’s seminar 9am-10:30; Laurie’s seminar 10:30-noon

Oct. 5              Thursday FIELD TRIP TACOMA – meet at 9am front part of C-LOT

We are due at the Glass Museum by 10am to hear a talk by curator Rosanna Sharpe for the glass installation exhibit, Transparently Built. After the talk and seeing the exhibits, bring lunch or eat at museum cafés and then walk to the Tacoma Art Museum. At TAM we will see three shows: Between Clouds of Memory: the ceramic art of Akio Takamori; Symphonic Poem, Aminah Robinson; Trimpin: Conloninpurple. Meet at 2:30 to catch the bus and we will return to campus by around 3:30pm. Admission fees will be announced and collected at the beginning of the week. There is a writing assignment associated with this trip: read Barnet, Ch 1& 2 before the trip so that you know what to look for, how to take notes, etc. in preparation for the second critical analysis next week.

WORK ON: Print for Print Exchange; NOTE: Monday Oct 10 is the last day for printing

READ for next week: de Oliveira Fwd & Intro; Nichols to p. 150;

ASSIGNMENT: Critical Analysis 1 – Film Analysis – work on final draft

WEEK THREE  Tuesday 10am-noon and 1-3pm in LIB 1540           

Oct. 10            Screening: In the Mirror of Maya Deren, Martina Kudlácek, 2001, 101 min.

                        PM Screen: Meshes of the Afternoon, Maya Deren, 1943, Seminar

DUE:  Final Draft Critical Analysis 1 – Film Analysis

NOTE: Last day for printing so they are dry! Bring prints on Thursday for packing to ship.

Oct. 11            Wednesday 10am-noon Workshops

            Photoshop Workshop Session 1 in DIS

Oct. 12            Thursday, 10-12 in COM 326

                        Laurie Meeker Presentation, The River People, 90 min.

                        Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM 2 4115

                        Journal Writing; Pack the Print Show;

ART 21 artists (video profiles)

Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project Discussion/Planning

WORK ON: Ideas for the Collaborative Project, present next Thursday for the Idea Fair – Bring something visual to present – a poster, images, projection, video clip, or….?

READ for next week: Nichols to end; Danto thru p. 100

ASSIGNMENT: Critical Analysis 2 – Exhibition Analysis

WEEK FOUR

Oct. 17            Tuesday 10am-noon and 1-3pm in LIB 1540

                        Screening: Maya Deren films

At Land, 1944, silent, 15 min.

A Study in Choreography for Camera, 1945, silent, 4 min.

                        Ritual in Transfigured Time, Maya Deren, silent, 15 min.

                        Meditation on Violence, 1948, music arranged by Maya Deren, 12 min.

                         ART 21 artists (video profiles)

DUE: Rough Draft of Critical Analysis 2 for peer review

Oct. 18            Wednesday 10am-noon Workshops

            Photoshop Workshop Session II – Group 1 in DIS

Oct. 19            Thursday, 10-12 in LH 5

Journal Writing

Joe Feddersen Presentation

Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM2 E4115

Peer Group Activity – Idea Fair

WORK ON: Final Draft of Critical Analysis 2

READ for next week: de Oliveira, pp. 49-105; Danto, 101-146

ASSIGNMENT: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

ASSIGNMENT 2: Peer Group Research Project/Presentation (check-in)

WEEK FIVE

Oct. 24            Tuesday 10am-noon and 1-3pm

                        INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCES 10-12

                        SEMINAR 1-3

Faculty will be in conferences all day. Seminars will still meet. Students who have conferences during seminar can quietly leave and return.

DUE:  Final Draft Critical Analysis 2

ALSO DUE: Journal Excerpts

Oct. 25            Wednesday 10am-noon Workshops

                        Palmcorders proficiency training, LIB space TBA

Oct. 26            Thursday – FIELD TRIP SEATTLE

WORK ON: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

READ for next week: de Oliveira pp. 106-165; Danto pp. 147-204;

READ ALSO: Writing About Art - complete

ASSIGNMENT: Critical Analysis 3 – Compare/Contrast Visual Arts works

WEEK SIX

Oct. 31            Tuesday 10am-noon in LIB 1540 and 1-3pm in COM 308

                        Marilyn Frasca Returns for Journal Writing Workshop 10-12 Location TBA

                        Seminar on readings 1-3

DUE: Rough Draft of Critical Analysis 3 for peer review

Nov. 1             Wednesday 10am-noon Workshops

                        iMovie in MultiMedia Lab

Nov. 2             Thursday

Faculty Retreat

Peer Groups – Working Sessions

WORK ON: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

READ for next week: de Oliveira pp. 166-end; Danto 205-257

ASSIGNMENT: Final Draft Critical Analysis 3

WEEK SEVEN

Nov. 7             Tuesday 10am-noon LIB 1540  and 1-3pm in COM 308

                        Guest Artist – Truman Lowe 10-12 – Look for location change

                        Seminar 1-3

DUE:  Final Draft Critical Analysis 3

WEEK SEVEN  continued

Nov. 8             Wednesday, 9am-noon: SCREEN PRINT WORKSHOPS

9-10:30 Joe’s seminar; 10:30-12 Laurie’s seminar

Nov. 9             Thursday, 10-12 in LH 5

Journal Writing

Film Screening: Art 21 segments

Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM 2 4115

                        Film Screening: Bill Viola

WORK ON: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

READ for next week: Mosquera thru p.121; Danto 258-302; CUT thru p.27

ASSIGNMENT: Critical Analysis 4 – MulitMedia Artist from OUT THERE

WEEK EIGHT

Nov. 14           Tuesday 10am-noon LIB 1540 and 1-3pm in COM 308

                        Guest Artist – Edgar Heap-of-Birds 10-12 – Look for location change

                        Seminar 1-3

DUE: Rough Draft of Critical Analysis 4 for peer review

Nov. 15           Wednesday, 10am-noon: SCREEN PRINTING – OPEN STUDIO

Nov. 16           Thursday, 10-12 in LH 5

Journal Writing

Film Screening: ART 21 (artists profiles)

Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM 2 4115

                        CRITIQUE: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

WORK ON: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

READ over the BREAK: Mosquera 122-251; Danto 303-331; CUT pp. 29-45;

ASSIGNMENT: Final Draft Critical Analysis 4

Nov. 20-27      THANKSGIVING BREAK

WEEK NINE

Nov. 28           Tuesday 10am-noon LIB 1540 and 1-3pm in COM 308

                        Guest Artist Cheryl Meeker 10-12 in LIB 1540

                        Seminar 1-3

                        Photo Collaboration with Cheryl, 3-5 (Sign up)

DUE:  Final Draft Critical Analysis 4

Nov. 29           Wednesday, 10am-noon:  OPEN STUDIO TIME

Nov. 30           Thursday, 10-12 in LH 5

Journal Writing

Film Screening: ART 21 segments

Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM 2 4115

                        CRITIQUE: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

WORK ON: Research Presentations

READ for next week: Mosquera pp 252-397; CUT pp 47-end; Danto 332-368

ASSIGNMENT: Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project

WEEK TEN

Dec. 5             Tuesday 10am-noon LIB 1540 and 1-3pm in COM 308

                        Research Presentations AM and PM

DUE: Journal Excerpts

Dec. 6             Wednesday, Prep Day

Dec. 7             Thursday, 10-12 in LH 5 or SEM2 E4107

Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project Presentations

Thursday, 1-5pm in SEM 2 E4115

                        Collaborative MultiMedia Installation Project Presentations

Art/Media/Praxis – Expectations/Requirements for full credit

The following are the expectations you will need to meet to receive full credit in this program. This is a participatory program. A program like this only works well with full participation by everyone involved.  ATTENDANCE is especially important, along with being prepared for and participating in seminars, collaborations, discussions and critiques. Meeting deadlines is essential. These are the requirements for full credit in Art/Media/Praxis (16 quarter hours):

1. Perfect attendance (excused absences accepted) and full participation in all class sessions (screenings, workshops, seminars, critiques, discussions, etc.)  If you need to be absent for any reason please call your seminar leader and leave a message or send email. If you miss a session, you need to complete the work (screenings, seminar papers, quest artists research, etc., within a week. Generally, we have 5 sessions per week. More than three unexcused absences will result in loss of credit. Please be on time for all sessions.

1. Seminar Papers – This is your TICKET to seminar. If you don’t have it you won’t be able to participate in the seminar. Seminar papers are 1-2 pages in length, typed and double spaced. The paper includes two or three central ideas you would like to discuss in seminar, based on that week’s readings. Though ideas from the texts should be a central focus, you may include questions and also write about central ideas from lectures, guest artists, and/or film screenings. Make a copy of your paper for your seminar leader (this is your “ticket”) and keep one for yourself to refer to during the seminar discussion.

1. Critical Analysis Essays – Four Essays over fall quarter. These will be peer-reviewed before the final draft is turned in. The rough draft is due on Tuesdays weeks 2, 4, 6, & 8 – make copies for your peer group; peers need to review the essay and return by Friday. The final draft is due on Tuesdays weeks 3, 5, 7, & 9. Further information about each essay will be discussed in class or on a handout. Make sure you put your name on the papers you review – you will be evaluated on this effort. Turn in the peer reviewed drafts along with your final draft.

1. Journal Writing – You are to keep an academic journal that reflects on your engagement with your continuing artistic work and your academic work for the program. This is your private document, but excerpts will be due at mid-term and end of quarter (Tuesdays of Week 5 and 10). Excerpts to submit consist of 4 journal entries, verbatim OR summarized, 1-2 pages per entry, typed, double spaced. What you turn in should be something you don’t mind sharing with your seminar leader. These will not be evaluated, but will be appreciated as a record of your learning process.

1. Peer Groups – We will form peer groups during the first week, and will have the chance to form  new groups after the Idea Fair in Week 4. Peer groups will have 3 or 4 people. Responsibilities include:

·       meeting at least once a week

·       assisting peers in the Print Exchange project

·       reviewing peers’ critical essays in a timely manner

·       working collaboratively on a research project and presentation in Week 10

·       working collaboratively on a multimedia project

1. Timely Completion of Written, Creative and Collaborative work – you must meet the deadlines. These include both critique deadlines and final presentation deadlines for the Print Exchange project, the Research Project, and Collaborative MultiMedia Project.

1. Research Project – your peer group will pick an artist or movement examined in Mosquera’s OUT THERE text, do additional research and present your findings to the full group in Week 10. All peer group members will participate in the presentation – it will include both lecture material and images.

1. Collaborative MultiMedia Project – your peer group will develop an installation or site specific project that will incorporate visual arts and the moving image (film or video). You are to use the skills developed in workshops (Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Screen Printing) and develop a concept collaboratively. You should start thinking about thematic ideas during the first few weeks of the quarter and create an image or images for the Idea Fair to share with the full group. These ideas will help you decide who will be in your peer group for the development of the MultiMedia project. Peer groups formed in Week One may continue to work together, OR you may form entirely new peer groups. These groups must work together for the rest of the quarter. Any problems must be worked out in the collaborative group. If problems persist you may request a meeting with faculty get assistance in seeking a resolution.

1. Field Trips – Students are expected to stay with the group and be responsible to one another and respectful of the institutions and environments we visit. No alcohol or drug consumption is allowed on Field Trips or at any AMP Program sponsored events, on or off campus. Students are responsible for admittance fees to Museums, etc. (Faculty will work on getting reduced group rates. You will be notified of the amount and it will be collected in advance.

1. Student Conduct – You are expected to follow the Evergreen Social Contract and Student Conduct Code - see http://www.evergreen.edu/aboutevergreen/social.htm. To summarize, we expect students and faculty to treat one another with respect and civility. Our goal is to create a learning community that allows students to respectfully explore a diversity of ideas, forms of creative expression, and points of view.

BILL VIOLA: Going Forth By Day: Fire Birth; Night Journey, 2005 Video installation Photos: Kira Perov