FSEM 101 - Seeing/Thinking/Making

What role do artists play in examining contemporary social and political issues? How do we create through research? How does storytelling relate to curating? This course will consider ways of seeing, researching, making, and curating art. Working directly with the exhibitions at the Beard and Weil Galleries on campus, students will gain professional experience working with all aspects of putting together an exhibition of contemporary art. Beginning with researching artists and the cultural and historical relevance of their work, students will assist with creating site-specific art installations and will meet with contemporary artists as they visit campus. Along the way we will consider exhibition design and audience engagement. Students will examine the range of materials and methods used in contemporary art, from photography and artists books to social practice and performance. While this course uses research and writing as a way to gain a deeper understanding of art, it will also involve making. Students will have the opportunity to respond to the art we are studying with their own creative output.

Credits 1