ARTS 212 Painting and Identity Construction
How can a painting or paintings influence individual or group identities? What does historical context, technique and aesthetic have to do with identity? This course will explore these questions and more. We will examine varying cultural moments throughout history where some form of painting was utilized to produce or reproduce national or group identities. We’ll also look at how individual artists used painting to subvert efforts to homogenize national identities. Additionally, students will be introduced to a variety of painting techniques, locating their historical usage relating to the course theme, and uncovering their potential contemporary value.
Alongside course lectures, technical demonstrations, and visiting speakers students create five distinct paintings. Through these exercises students will gain an understanding of the historical context for painting practices and how they may be used today in popular and social media. Students will further their media literacy skills by developing a tool-set for navigating contemporary imagery, specifically relating to painting.