Art & the History of Art 211 - On World-Making

What can artists learn from the traditions of fiction, fantasy, filmmaking, and theatrical set design about the making of worlds? Does a work expand in meaning and scope when it exists in a context of its own cultural sphere and narrative outside of our own? How can contrasting our realities with fantastical and imagined worlds help us perceive our current conditions more clearly? What is the artist's role in creating mythology, navigating truth, or defining reality? On World-Making is an in-depth exploration of the imagination as a realm for collective/individual liberation and experimentation addressing these questions at its core. Through studio explorations in sculpture, installation, creative writing exercises, drawing, and video, we will engage with a variety of creative strategies and materials towards this pursuit. Readings, screenings, and class discussions will enhance the studio process, exposing students to artists and writers using elaborate narrative and mythology as core tenets of their work.

Requisite: One prior studio class. Limited to 12 students. Spring Semester. Visiting Artist-in-Residence Reed.