Fall 1999, MW
2:30-5:30pm
Tiffany Holmes, Assistant Professor, Michigan Society of Fellows
Room 1046, Office hours: Wednesday, 9:30-11:30am
734-936-0690 (office)
734-395-0556 (studio)
tgholmes@umich.edu
Course overview:
Art 454: Bodies, Brushes and Bits is a special topics course that integrates art theory and practice around the following questions: How has technology affected contemporary practices of both making and viewing art? What creative possibilities does the computer offer an artist trained in the fundamentals of drawing, painting, design and/or sculpture? Are there ways to translate data such as the movement of an artist's hand into a technologically driven gesture? In the first few weeks, we will investigate the process of digital drawing: automatic, self-generated and random. Next, we will examine and create digital images in conjunction with an ongoing discussion on the issue of photographic credibility. Finally, we will explore the blurry boundaries between humans and machines and between computers and memories.
Assignments:
Five "sketches" will be assigned in class to help you see the range of possibilities the computer offers artists working in various disciplines. These problems are intended to encourage an in-depth awareness of process rather than product---these sketches may be intentionally raw or unfinished. The final project will be a fully resolved creative resolution of a problem given previously in class or one developed by the student. During critiques, you are expected to demonstrate the ability to discuss your ideas and thinking process with regard to all of your artistic endeavors. Please have work ready on the day specified in the syllabus. Grades for late submissions will be lowered. Sketches turned in one week after the due date cannot be applied to the final grade.
Attendance:
Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. We will start class promptly at 2:45. The class will meet in different locations each session so it is ESSENTIAL for students to check email on the evening prior to class meeting. Each unexcused absence will lower your participation grade. Chronic lateness will also result in the same (three late arrivals equals one absence). Also, if you are physically present, but do not engage in class discussions, critiques, and demonstrations, this will count against your participation grade. See Grading for details.
Required Materials
• spiral notebook or bound composition book (bring daily to class
• ZIP disks (2 to start with; always back up your work on 2 disks)
• Blank CDs (2-3 to start with)
• Floppy disk (1-2 needed for use with digital cameras)
• Reading packet (available at the Art and Architecture Copy Center)