Courses
VART3316 Critical Studies in Lens-based Media (3 units)
- Prerequisite:
- VART2305 Art in the 20th Century I
- Medium of Instruction:
- English
Art historian Michael Fried in one of his recent book asks, "Why Photography Matters as Art as Never Before?" (2008). Lensbased media have been an artistic fever and enjoy huge popularity amongst scholars, amateurs and professional artists since they were 'invented' in the 19th century. With recent new development such as digital image revolution, analogue nostalgia, art activism and global image dissemination, the 21st century seems set with the momentum to critically discuss, debate and theorise lens-based media.
To further Fried's pressing question, it could be asked how 19th century image science inspired and informed 20th century artistic invention? And from there it may be explored in what ways lensbased media provide critical and alternative artistic strategies for social intervention and art activism in the 21st century? What is the future of lens-based media if assessing it through a rear-view informed by media archaeology? Is Charlotte Cotton's essay "The New Colour: The Return of Black-and-White" (2007) adequate to address another revolution in image printing amongst young photographic artist in the 21st century? These historical and critical narratives not only situate lens-based media at the centre of discussion but also instigating questions important enough to sensitise thinking also in other visual arts.
This theory course will examine the emergence and development of lens-based media since their invention. In addition to identifying and interpreting key milestones that underscore the development of lens-based media, student will also be directed and engaged in thematic discussion, analysis and debate of works of image scientists, photographers, video artists, and media artivists. Through contextualising historical narrative and introducing critical theory and discourse of lens-based media, student will be equipped with theoretical and analytical tools to research for lensbased media practice.
Key texts of lens-based media art historian and theorist will be brought into discussion to sharpen students' critical and analytical ability in research and writing. Such critical discussion will generate debate, criticism and novel perspective in conceiving lensbased media practice beyond canonisation. This theory course not only allow students engaging in the currency and critical debates of theorising lens-based media in the 21st century, but also through theorising, the course is able to enhance student's intellectual sensitivity in shaping their own personal practices.