Post Modernism, Non Traditional Materials
From the dawn of post-modernism through the present-day, artists have evolved as creative individuals as they have simultaneously helped to transform society. This one-week integrated art and art history course will examine the ground breaking metamorphosis of post-modern art within its social and political context. The course will examine what inspired artists to break from tradition and explore new ideas, materials, and methods. Students will be guided in a process that moves from theory to practice combining relevant art techniques with non-traditional materials. Concepts of sculpture, painting, installation, performance and drawing will be considered. Artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Marc Quinn, Felix-Gonzales Torres, Wolfgang Laib and Damien Hirst will be examined.
•Examine key works by post-modern artists using non-traditional materials or methods, and investigate ways to incorporate these trajectories into their own art projects.
•Learn to incorporate meanings with materials to create finished art pieces.
•Learn techniques for creating art using both traditional and non-traditional materials through demonstrations, experimentation and studio projects.
•Participate in a group critique at the end of the week.
Course Materials
*Materials may change by day based on the project or media chosen by the student*. Students will select 1 medium to investigate (drawing, painting, sculpture) from the list below and acquire materials as listed. Be sure to bring materials to the first class.
Drawing
8.5” x 11” sketchbook, pencil
Large roll white paper
graphite (powdered or stick), charcoal (stick or large vine), pastel, brushes for ink and wet media, roll of paper towels.
Painting
8.5” x 11” sketchbook, pencil
Acrylic paint, assorted size wood panels ready to paint on (can be found or recycled wood), palette (disposable recommended), various size brushes, palette knife, cup or jar for water, roll of paper towels.
Sculpture
8.5” x 11” sketchbook, pencil
Cardboard, hot glue gun/glue (required) camera to document installations (optional), roll of paper towels (if working with wet media).
Materials to consider collecting and using for all mediums: coffee, tea, salt, wax, sugar, iodine, food coloring, cooking oil, vegetable shortening, spices, sand, sawdust, food items, mud, clay, found objects, recycled or green objects (raid your recycle bin), plaster, house paint, concrete, found/recycled wood, stone, water, ice, fabric, wire, aluminum foil, make-up, rubber, rope, clothing…there are no limits in this class, anything can be an art material!
Questions for the Instructor: mskarp@meca.edu (email)
