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Academic Year 2003/2004

Issues in Contemporary Art
ARHA 362 SP

This seminar explores the notion of site specificity as it has evolved in art practices during the past 30 years. Beginning with Conceptualism's view that an artwork's meaning does not reside in the autonomous object but in its contextual framework, we will investigate how site specificity has influenced many subsequent developments, including expanded notions of sculpture, public art, political art, and the notion of site itself. Once defined exclusively in terms of physical location, site-specific work now embraces a wide range of cultural disciplines and popular discourses. The concept will also be explored in relation to Zilkha Gallery projects. The seminar includes supervised field trips to New York galleries, museums, and artists' studios.

MAJOR READINGS

Readings pertinent to the evolving notion of site specificity and relevant artists will include monographs, journal articles, essays, and contemporary reviews.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Evaluation will be based on demonstration of close and thoughtful reading of assigned texts, class participation, ability to do independent research, and the quality and completion of research and writing assignments. Additional assignments related to exhibition and catalogue production will include project development, research, and writing.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Permission of Instructor required.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ART    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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