ClassInfo

Contemporary art practice is as rich and diverse as the theories behind it. This course investigates both the practice and theory that informs the work of contemporary artists such as Kara Walker, Tacita Dean, Liam Gillick and Julie Mehrehtu, among others. Through a combination of readings, lectures, discussion and projects we explore important themes in contemporary art such as the role of medium-specificity, the use of the artist's body, and the importance of the museum in contextualizing challenging works of art. We retrace the roots of these ideas and modes of making back to selected artworks and writings from earlier periods in the history of art. Readings will primarily feature writings by artists, supplemented by articles from art journals, as well as essays by art historians and critics of visual culture. The role of place and placemaking in the practice and theory of contemporary art will be central to this course. For this reason, the course will include museum visits and guest lecturers by local artists. This course aims to immerse students in the community of artists and art spaces in the Twin Cities.