About Visual Art

VISUAL ARTS OVERVIEW

This program is directed to individuals who wish to pursue a career within the full range of visual arts areas. This includes painting, printmaking, digital photography, and sculpture.
The program consists of relevant practical and theoretical courses, which have been developed directly from fields of professional practice.
The major emphasis of the Diploma of Arts in Visual Arts is towards the production of work which reflects a high standard of creativity evolving from a development of skills and personal inquiry.
All studio courses in semester 1 begin with an emphasis on the acquisition of practical stills and by semester 2 develop towards the adaptation of those skills to the production of works with a sound personal philosophical base.
Semester 3 and 4 will emphasise a further development of methods and materials and the production of work that demonstrates sound conceptual ideas evolving from an understanding of contemporary art issues.
Theoretical subjects further develop and reinforce this as well as providing an understanding of the many career paths within the arts industry.
The Visual Art program is divided between ‘Compulsory Courses’ (composed mostly of theory and drawing) and ‘Elective Courses”. For Semester 1 & 2 students choose from three of the four elective disciplines (painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography) and by Semester 3 & 4 have moved towards a Major and Minor elective practice.
This program will enable students to move directly into their own professional practice or pursue further study or seek work in a multitude of arts related industries.

Course Descriptions: Year 1

Elective Courses:

Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture:

In each of the major elective study areas students are provided with the skills and practical knowledge to produce works expressing individual ideas and concepts. Beginning in semester 1 with the exploration and application of a range of techniques, tools, equipment, and materials; and by semester 2 more emphasis is placed on research, experimentation and conceptual development.

Core Courses:

Context and Culture:

Presents a broad view of the major conceptual concerns associated with contemporary visual arts practice. These concepts and their historical precedents are discussed within local, regional, and international contexts. An understanding of the context in which the arts are produced is promoted to extend their appreciation of their own culture and the culture of others. Context and culture is designed to help students identify individual social issues and environmental factors that may influence their own work.

Art History and Theory:

This two semester course is designed to introduce students to various contemporary art forms. Historical contexts are presented thematically. The course will start with the beginnings of Modernism at the end of the 19th century, and continue chronologically to the present day. The extent to which art movements have been connected to specific historical, social and political environments will be analysed. Outside the plastic arts, literature and cinema will also be examined where relevant.

Drawing Techniques & Media:

Develops an understanding of the concept, role, function and place of drawing in art production. Personal exploration of materials and concepts to impart new information will be encouraged.

Life Drawing:

Introduces students to the discipline of life drawing. Knowledge gained in this discipline will be related to other visual art study areas.

Studio and Materials:

Students acquire skills in basic design and explore these principles using traditional and electronic media. In second semester the focus is on electronic media and the exploration of personal themes.

Health, Safety & Security:

The course enables students to identify, assess and control chemical, physical, psychological and biological hazards in the art-working environment.