| Women Artists in the 20th Century |
The class, Women Artists in the 20th Century, will explore the meaning of artistic expression in the global context of the Internet. Several of the most powerful contemporary women artists use emergent electronic technologies in innovative and compelling ways to explore the relevant social and cultural issues of our time. The course will examine issues surrounding what it means to be a woman artist at a time when profound technological changes are shaping our imaginations and our lives in ways we can neither fully comprehend nor predict. We will explore how gender, race, class, sexuality and technology influence what it means to be a woman artist. We will reflect on the impact contemporary technology has on art specifically and creativity in general. The course will draw on contemporary feminist and cultural theories, art histories, and literary criticism as frameworks for understanding the intersection of emergent technologies and the arts. The course will offer those students an opportunity to become expert navigators on the World Wide Web using Netscape and the various search engines Netscape supports. The class will help students negotiate complex and changing technologies that offer new paradigms for social engagement and creativity in potentially transformative ways. In this course, we will want to address the following questions, among others:
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Artforum, Art in America, Art News: I'd like you to purchase one copy and read the articles for the month you choose. These magazines play a large role in shaping the discourse of contemporary art theory and art practice. They can be purchased at various bookstores in the county. Hand-outs and electronic articles on the WWW |
You will present a woman to the class who has influenced you. This woman should be a historical, mythical, or fictional figure of particular importance to you. It will be up to you to decide how to best represent/image forth your figure, although you'll have time to assemble in small groups to work on brainstorming for ideas. You are free to use food, household objects, clothing, family photographs, videos, slides, maps, natural objects, flowers, fabrics, books or whatever else might best create the sense you have of this figure and her relationship to you. |
Project# 2:
Artist
Presentation
| You will present to the class the woman artist you have researched for you final web site/analysis paper. You will add any multimedia elements you think will enhance your presentation. |
Writing
For your writing project, you will focus on a particular artist and her context-the social, political, historical, and art historical contexts for her work. You might choose a local living artist so you can combine an interview with an analysis of her work. Please do not feel compelled to produce a traditional expository piece of writing-I'd like to see you mix modes, i.e., combine personal narrative, analysis, personal essay, exposition, description, etc. I'll show you some examples of what I'm getting at. Those of you who have taken VSAR 302 or an equivalent course and are proficient with Photoshop and Desk Scan may produce a segment for the CSUSM Women Artists' Web Site instead of the paper. Please see me for more details concerning this alternative. |
| You will be asked to respond to slides/images in the form of focused freewrites. |
The course includes the Visual and Performing Arts Events Requirement. You are required to attend ten art or cultural events during the semester events (VPA majors are required to attend 15). These events include but are not limited to any concert, opera, visual art exhibitions, film, poetry readings, or theater presented on or off campus. There are many activities scheduled for the fall semester, so it should be quite easy to fulfill this requirement. You will turn in a list of all events attended. CSUSM sponsors an Arts and Lectures Series. I will let you know of art events of particular relevance to this class. The California Center for the Arts is in Escondido, and we have worked with the Center to establish student prices for events. |
| Attendance is mandatory and I will take role each week. Participation in discussions 20% Project #1: Woman mentor 20% Project #2: Artist Presentation 25% Final Paper · Web Site/Analysis/Biography 35% |
Introduction to course: Why a class on women artists? Introduction to the WWW and Netscape Communicator The
Relevance of Women's Art and Art Education CSMSM Women Artists: Read Vietnam: Memorials of Misfortune, Elizabeth Hess, for September
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Barbara Kruger
September 28:
October 5: October 12:
Why is O'Keeffe the "most famous woman artist?" Is there feminist imagery? Feminine imagery? What role did Steiglitz play? Must there always be a man behind the great woman? Potomac
American Gallery: O'Keeffe Exhibit
Laura Gilpin video Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie Project #1 Presentations
Artemisia Gentileschi November 9 Leonora Carrington Leonor Fini
Guerillas in Our Midst November 23: November 30 December 7 |
