Art & the History of Art 423H - Practice of Art Senior Colloquium: Critical Perspectives for Artists

This class is an exploration of the dialog between critical perspectives in contemporary art and the process of art-making. We will be looking at examples of current critical discourse in order to investigate how practicing artists' work can be seen in the context of aesthetic, political, social, environmental and cultural criticism. We will also examine how works of art invite, inspire, and provoke critical discussion. Through these examinations, students will consider how their own work can be enriched through engagement with critical discourse. Students will respond to readings and events in written, oral, and visual forms. There will be a strong emphasis on how to communicate ideas about their own art making in a range of formats including essays, artists’ talks, visual presentations, and hybrid forms. We will visit exhibitions and attend artists’ lectures, and analyze how these critical perspectives, whether implicit or explicit, have played a role in the artists’ works. 

This course is required for students pursuing an honors thesis in Art and the History of Art, Practice of Art concentration, and is open to other majors as they prepare their comprehensive exam portfolio.

Required Coursework: ARHA major, Practice of Art concentration, requirements to be completed by graduation. Limited to 20 students. Spring 2026: Senior Lecturer Culhane.

How to handle overenrollment: Preference to ARHA, Practice of Art 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, readings, independent research, artistic work, visiting exhibitions.