Time Schedule:
Gary L. Carpenter
B CUSP 191
Bothell Campus
Examines works from across the arts: painting, writing, film, architecture, theater, new media. Explores their relationship to public spaces such as museums, site-specific structures, galleries, and exhibitions, as well as the history of their public reception. Includes site visits. Offered: ASp.
Class description
Art in Public Spaces, challenges students understanding of this constantly evolving, interdisciplinary field by exploring public arts historic and contemporary roles, examining the venues and mediums as well as the public reception and social implications, and how these might inform the future in this field. Over the course of the quarter, students will individually design a public art proposal based on their own values, conclusions, interests and understanding of what the field is and perhaps could be. By its very nature, the creation of public works of art requires an interdisciplinary approach drawing from a wide variety of disciplines. The creation of these works often involve rigorous research into science, communities, materials, and a good working knowledge of budgets, legal documents and artist’s rights. Public artists are fabricators and makers, environmentalists, social activists, and passionate creators who must consider the client and the community as well as work within budgetary and time restraints. We will explore the purposes, practices and functions of public art. Who makes these works or art? Who decides? Is the work accessible to all? Does it need to be? Are there moral and ethical considerations? What are the legal considerations? What role does the First Amendment play in these works of art? These questions will guide this course and help to formulate the underpinnings of the final design projects. For the final projects, students will individually conceptualize and design a public work of art including all of the components usually required for public art proposals (models, plan and elevation drawings, artists statement, etc). These skills will be taught in class.
Student learning goals
Students be able to formulate and express more informed opinions about works of art in public spaces (develop the ability to engage in critical dialogue).
They will understand the aspects of the fundamental history, function, planning and construction of public art.
They will comprehend the overarching social implications (legal, moral, ethical) in the selection and development of a public art project.
Students will understand what is required to design and present well thought out, stimulating public art proposals while carefully considering and balancing the many issues involved.
General method of instruction
This course is designed around students developing individual public art proposals. To prepare students for this there will be a considerable number of readings accompanied by group and class discussions. Students will be asked to look beyond the aesthetics of public works of art, and to begin to understand the function and social implications of these works.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites are required for this course.
Class assignments and grading
Assignments include weekly readings, written projects on works students visit outside of class time, and a final project designing an individual public art work.
Grading will include class participation, quiz's on weekly readings, written essays on specific works visited by the students outside of class time. The largest portion of the grades rely on the completion and presentation of their final projects.
