Creating a Conceptual Framework for Images:
Strategies for Using Photographic and Digital Processes in Art Installations
Winter 2007 Syllabus
The link between photography and sculpture in conceptual art is fundamental, even though most people perhaps do not recognize this anymore; it’s not enough assigning to photography the task of documentation; the problem is more complex. In conceptual art in its clearest moments, photography displaces or takes on the condition of the object or dismantles the traditional parameters of spatial and material organization. I cannot separate photography from my sculptural practice. I don’t know in advance whether I will need to use photography or whether it will, at the end, become an object. What I am doing, how it ends up as a sign, is all about language, but sometimes it becomes a physical thing, sometimes it is just photography. -Gabriel Orozco
Faculty
Erica Lord: Office Lab 2, 2257, office (360) 867-5055, home (360) 866-9309, email: ; Office Hours: by appointment.
Steve Davis: Office Library 1401, PhotoLand, office (360) 867-6263, email: ;
Office Hours: by appointment
CCFI Website:
Class Standing: This all-level program is designed to combine students who have done previous work in a variety of artistic media and are ready to create intermediate and advanced work at the same time it supports 25 percent freshman students finishing their work on building skills in English Composition and basic skills in photography, digital imaging and mixed media art.
Program Description:
Students in this program will work to build a variety of skills using traditional and digital photographic techniques, video production, and study the techniques of assemblage and mixed media art. They will use those skills to build both individual and collaborative art installations that are conceptual in nature. Over the course of two quarters, students will be expected to do reading and attend slide lectures and seminars on photography and installation art. They will study the way that artists around the world have combined these media to make complex and challenging works of art. As part of this study, we will examine works by a diverse group of artists including Alfredo Jaar, Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, Anish Kapoor, Shirin Neshat, Jolene Richard, Chen Shun-Chu, Felix Gonzales Torrez, Daniel Joseph Martinez, William Wilson, Kip Fulbeck, and Pat Ward Williams among others. Students will learn about a variety of strategies for developing both personal and political themes that create a rich visual language for viewers to interpret. Credits will be earned through the completion of assignments and participation in classes, workshops, and critiques. All students must post to the program website forum; each week, before Seminar on Tuesday, each student is required to respond to the readings in the form of 1-2 substantial paragraphs that bring up questions for seminar as well as addressing the books and lectures that are part of the program, critical issues, theory, and history discussed in class.
Assignments:
All students are expected to develop and complete one major installation, as either a group or individual project. Several assignments in photography, video, writing, and the wood shop will precede your final installation project. Finally, each student will conceptualize two “dream” installations and go through the process of applying for grants that would be able to fund such projects. These (mock) grant applications will be complete with project descriptions, sketches, a budget, and all other supporting material. All projects are designed to help students gain skills that would be necessary to carry out the planning, development, and completion of an installation art project as well as understand the history, concepts, and dialogue that surround this dynamic new art form.
Weekly Schedule:
Mondays: 9 AM- 5 PM Open Studio in Lab 2, Room 2223, the Design and Weaving Studio
Tuesdays: 10 AM-12 PM, Seminar; 1- 4 PM, Lectures, films, and presentations, Seminar 2, B1105.
Wednesdays: 9 AM-1 PM, Lecture/Workshop, Library; 1-5 PM, Open Studio, Lab 2, Room 2223
Thursdays: 9 AM-12 PM: Workshops, Various Locations; 1-5 PM: Workshops, Various Locations
Fridays: 9 AM-12 PM, Open Studio, Lab 2, 2223A; 1-4 PM Woodshop, Art Annex.
Book List:
Installation Art in the New Millennium: The Empire of the Senses, Nicolas De Oliveira
Inside the White Cube: The Ideology of the Gallery Space, Brian O’Doherty
Air Guitar: Essays on Art & Democracy, Dave Hickey
Course reader and/or other readings will be handed out in class, posted on the web, or on library reserve.
Required reading from last quarter:
Installation Art by Claire Bishop
Seizing The Light: A History of Photography by Robert Hirsch
Week 1: January 8-12
Panasonic Palmcorder (digital video cameras) proficiencies will be given Tuesday, January 9 at 9 and 10:30 AM in the Media Loan classroom, L2708, located across the hall from Media Loan.
First Class Meeting Tuesday, January 9, 1 PM, Sem 2, B1105
Reading Assignment: Installation Art (De Oliveira), pp 6-77.
Studio Assignments: Photo Assignment
Digital Video Assignment
Begin filming immediately, begin editing this week, iMovie project due weeks 3 and 4.
Writing Assignments: A one-page written proposal for your proposed project for grant applications is due Tuesday, January 16. The finished proposal and application complete with sketches and models are due week 8.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday9 AM-10:30 AM: Panasonic Palmcorder (digital video cameras) proficiencies
Media Loan classroom, L2708, limit 20
10:30 AM-12 PM: Panasonic Palmcorder (digital video cameras) proficiencies
Media Loan classroom, L2708, limit 20
1 PM-5 PM: Introductions, Photography Assignment, Woodshop discussion, Artist Statement, classroom/critique guidelines and expectations, Covenant, Lumiere and Company,Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday9 AM-12 PM: iMovie workshop (Erica), Multi Media Lab, L 1404, Groups A, C
9 AM-11:30 PM: Critique of last quarter photography work (Steve), Sem 2 E3107, Groups B, D
1 PM-4 PM: iMovie workshop (Erica), Multi Media Lab, L 1404, Groups B, D
1 PM-4 PM: Critique of last quarter photography work (Steve), TBA,Groups A, C
Thursday9-10:30 AM: Film Developing Workshop, PhotoLandGroups A, B
10:30AM-12 PM: Film Developing Workshop, PhotoLandGroups C, D
1-3:30 PM: Silver Gelatin Printing Workshop, PhotoLandGroups A, B
3:30-5 PM: Silver Gelatin Printing Workshop, PhotoLandGroups C, D
Friday1-2:30 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 1 of 2), Woodshop, Group A
2:30-4 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 1 of 2), Woodshop, Group B
Week 2: January 15-19
Reading Assignment: Installation Art (De Oliveira), pp 78-131.
Studio Assignments: Begin work on sketches and models for proposed installation art projects. The finished project proposal is due week 8.
Writing Assignments: Hand in one-page written grant project proposal drafts on Tuesday, January 16.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Hand in written project proposals for peer review at Seminar, Erica Sem 2, C3107, Steve Sem 2, C3109.
1-5 PM: Lecture/ Steve Davis presentation, Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday9 AM-1 PM: iMovie, Multi Media Lab, L 1404, assisted work session.
Thursday9 AM-5 PM: Field Trip to Seattle: Museums and Galleries, Claude Zervas Studio.
Friday1-2:30 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 1 of 2), Woodshop,Group C
12:45-2:15 PM: Digital Photography Workshop, L 1326, Groups A, D
2:30-4 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 1 of 2), Woodshop,Group D
2:45-4:15 PM: Digital Photography Workshop, L 1326, Groups B, C
Week 3: January 22-26
Reading Assignment: Installation Art (De Oliveira), pp 132-192.
Studio Assignments: iMovie projects due for critique (groups A and C) Wednesday, January 24.
All Holga assignments due for critique Thursday, January 25.
Writing Assignment: Exhibition review due Tuesday, January 23.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Seminar, Erica Sem 2, C3107, Steve Sem 2, C3109.
1 PM-4 PM: Guest Artist: William Wilsonand lecture, Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday9 AM-11:30 AM: iMovie Critique, Sem 2, E3107, Groups A, C present, all class attends.
Thursday10 AM-12PM, 1PM-5PM: Holga assignment critique, L 4300, all class.
Friday1-2:30 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 2 of 2), Woodshop, Group A
12:45-2:15 PM: BW Printing Workshop, assisted work session, PhotoLand, Groups B, C
2:30-4 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 2 of 2), Woodshop,Group B
2:45-4:15 PM: BW Printing Workshop, assisted work session, PhotoLand, Groups A, D
Week 4: January 29-February 2
Reading Assignment: Inside the White Cube (O’Doherty), pp 7-64.
Studio Assignments: iMovie projects due for critique (groups B and D) Wednesday, January 31.
Writing Assignment: Begin work on Artist Statement, draft due for peer review on Tuesday, February 6.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Seminar, Erica Sem 2, C3107, Steve Sem 2, C3109.
1 PM-4 PM: Lecture and Guest Speakers: James Harris, Carrie Scott, from James Harris Gallery, Seattle. Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday9-11:30 AM: iMovie Critique, Sem 2, E3107, Groups B, D present, all class attends.
Thursday10 AM-4 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Mold-making & Casting,Lab 2, 2223A.
1PM-4 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Print Finishing (Matting & Mounting), L 1540.
Friday1-2:30 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 2 of 2), Woodshop, Group C
12:45-2:15 PM: Photoshop, L 1326, Groups A&D
2:30-4 PM: Box Demonstration & Workshop (part 2 of 2), Woodshop, Group D
2:45-4:15: Photoshop, L 1326, Groups B & C
Week 5: February 5-9
Reading Assignments: Inside the White Cube (O’Doherty), pp 65-113.
Studio Assignments: At this point, you should be thinking about whether you want to do an individual or collaborative installation for your final project. Collaborative groups should be figured out by Tuesday, February 13 and a list of names handed in. A written proposal and five minute presentation for your final project is due week 7, Tuesday, February 20. The finished project is due week 10.
Writing Assignment: Artist Statement draft due for peer review on Tuesday, February 6.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Seminar, Erica Sem 2, C3107, Steve Sem 2, C3109.
1-4 PM: Guest Speaker Jodi Rockwell, artist, Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday9-11:30 AM: TBA, Sem 2, E3107.
Thursday10 AM-12 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Medium Format Cameras and Portable Studio Kit, PhotoLand.
Friday1-4 PM: Assisted Work Session, Woodshop.
Week 6: February 12-16
Reading Assignment: TBA
Studio Assignments: Groups should be figured out by Tuesday, February 13 and a list of names handed in. A written proposal and five minute presentation for your group project is due week 7, Tuesday, February 20, 1 PM. The finished project is due week 10.
Light box or Shadow box project due for critique on Tuesday, February 13.
Special Projects: Begin work on Color Photography, Final Cut Pro, or Mold-making and casting.
Project of Repetition, in small groups, students will create an installation project that will be installed, documented, and taken down over this week. The documentation will be presented in class on Tuesday, February 20.
Writing Assignment: All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Critique of Light Box/Shadow Box assignment, L 4300.
1 PM-4 PM: Critique of Light Box/Shadow Box assignment, L 4300.
Wednesday9 AM-1 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Final Cut Pro, (session 1 of 2), MML.
Independent Group work time for Project of Repetition.
ThursdayIndependent Group work time for Project of Repetition.
Friday1-4 PM: Assisted Work Session, Woodshop.
1-3 PM: Presentation on Color Photography, L 1326.
Week 7: February 19-23
Reading Assignment: Air Guitar, pages 9 - 101
Studio Assignments: Begin work on installation art projects. The finished project is due week 10.
Writing Assignment: Present installation proposal on Tuesday, February 20.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Presentation of week 6 installations and Seminar, L 1540, all class.
1 PM-5 PM, Presentations of Group Installation Proposals, Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday 9 AM-1 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Final Cut Pro (limit 24), session 2 of 2, MML.
Thursday9 AM-12 PM: Color Printing, PhotoLand. Groups A, B
1-4 PM: Color Printing, PhotoLand. Groups C, D
Friday1-4 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Frame building (limit: 12), Woodshop.
Week 8: February 26-March 2
Reading Assignment: Air Guitar, pages 102 – 215.
Studio Assignments: Written installation proposals with any changes are due Friday, March 2. The finished project is due week 10.
If the final installation site is planned for an alternative site, off-campus, the site description, address, and exhibition times are due on Tuesday, February 27.
Color photography assignments due for critique on Thursday, March 1.
Writing Assignment: Installation Art Grant project proposals due complete with application, budget, sketches, and model on Tuesday, February 27.
All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Seminar/Grant Discussion, Erica Sem 2, C3107, Steve Sem 2, C3109.
1 PM-5 PM: Grant Proposals, Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday9 AM-1 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Final Cut Pro, assisted work session.
Thursday1-5 PM: Special Interest Workshop: Color Photography critique, L 1540.
Friday1-4 PM: Assisted work session, Woodshop.
Week 9: March 5-9
Studio Assignments: Campus Production Reports (CPRs) are due to both Robyn Herring in Facilities and to Erica on Tuesday, March 7. Reminder: The CPR is required in order to install. If this is not turned in, you cannot install and will not be critiqued. Installation spaces & times are assigned and posted on Thursday, March 8.
Final Cut Pro assignments due for critique on Thursday, March 8.
Writing Assignment: All students must post 1-2 substantial paragraphs on the weekly forum page prior to Tuesday’s Seminar.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday10 AM-12 PM: Seminar, Erica Sem 2, C3107, Steve Sem 2, C3109.
1 PM-4 PM, Lecture TBA, Presentation on Erica’s NYC project, Sem 2, B1105.
Wednesday Open Studio Time.
Thursday 9AM-12 PM: Final Cut Pro critique, L 1540.
1-4 PM: Individual critique/consultation on final projects, L 1540.
Friday1-4 PM: Assisted work session, Woodshop.
Week 10: March 12-16
Studio Assignments: Final presentations and critiques.
MondayOpen Studio Time
Tuesday9 AM-5 PM, outside or off-campus locations, Critiques!
Wednesday 9 AM-5 PM: outside or off-campus locations, Critiques!
Thursday9AM-5 PM: Library lobbies and campus locations, Critiques!
Friday11AM-5 PM: TBA