Art & the History of Art 422H - Practice of Art Senior Colloquium: Research, Archiving, Making

What sparks an artist’s interest and compels the artist to create work? How can moments of insight and intuition be developed into fully realized works that address ideas and realities beyond the artist’s initial impulse? In this class we will explore how research can be a valuable tool in creating art. We will look at examples of art where the role of research has been an important component in developing work. Strategies of effective research will be explored, as well as methods of creating an archive that can be drawn upon during the process of developing a body of work. A range of approaches to researching subject matter, historical precedent, social, environmental and political content, and technical processes will be introduced. We will begin with short-term research projects, approaching subject matter using a variety of research strategies and resources. The course will culminate with each student undertaking an in-depth research project that relates to the artwork that they are engaged in, and creating an archive of this research. This course is intended for students pursuing an honors thesis in Art and the History of Art, Practice of Art concentration, as well as other senior majors as part of their departmental comprehensives.

Required coursework: ARHA majors who are completing an honors thesis, or comprehensives. Recommended coursework: ARHA major, Practice of Art concentration, requirements to be completed by graduation. Limited to 20 students. Fall 2026: Senior Lecturer Culhane.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference given to ARHA seniors

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, independent research, visual analysis, artistic work, attending exhibitions and lectures.