Class Syllabus for Fall 2010
The class will be divided into three thematic sections:
1. Repetition/Pattern/Ornamentation
- Assignment1: Geometric Shape Ornament
- Using geometric shapes, lines and curves only, create a sample ornament. Refer to SmilyFace as an example but try to make something cooler (i.e. more visually engaging.) Size: at least 5 rows and 5 columns of repeating ornamental motif
- Assignment2: Image-based Ornament
- Same as above but using actual pixel (or raster) images. Try to break away from the straight grid by using rotation and clustering of images. Ornamental motif can be created/edited in Photoshop.
- Assignment3: Artwork Integrating an Ornament or Repetitive Process
- Drawing upon the work you saw during artist presentations, you will create an artwork, using Processing together with another artistic medium of your choice). Aesthetic dimensions of repetition, ornament and pattern formation should be explored. This assignment will be initiated with a quick one paragraph proposal followed by both in-class and independent production time.
References: Yinka Shonibare, Mariam Shapiro, El Anatsui, Yayoi Kusama, Jason Salavon, Agnes Martin, C.E.B. Reas, Fred Tomaselli, Sigmar Polke, Kehinde Wiley, Julie Mehretu, Sol Lewitt, Diana Cooper, Greg Lynn, Ellen Gallagher
2. Sequencing in Time
- Assignment4: Short Animation
- Create a short animation based on material created for Assignments 1 and 2.
- Assignment5: Simple LED Light Sculpture
- Solder together a very simple light sculptural object. It can be created from materials of your choice and must contain at least 5 LEDs and be powered from Arduino.
- Assignment6: Performance or Performance Score
- Drawing upon the work you saw during artist presentations, you will create an artwork, using Processing and/or Arduino (you can also add other artistic media of your choice). You should explore sequencing in time, as it relates to production of an artistic experience. This assignment will be initiated with a quick one paragraph proposal followed by both in-class and independent production time.
References: John Cage, Judson Dance Theater, Joseph Beuys, Tony Conrad, Robert Ashley, Fluxus, Christian Wolff, Christian Marclay, Nam Jun Paik, Stelarc, Janet Cardiff, Allan Kaprow, Cai Guo-Qiang, On Kawara, Michael Snow, Yukinori Yanagi, George Beasley, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy
3. Stepping Outside the [Computer] Box
- Assignment7: Controlling Short Animation with keyboard
- Create a short animation based on material created for Assignments 1 and 2.
- Assignment8: Controlling Short Animation with external switch
- Add external controls to your work from the previous assignment.
- Assignment9: Interactive Installation mock-up
- Drawing upon the work you saw during artist presentations, you will create an artwork, using Processing and Arduino (you can also add other artistic media of your choice). You should explore various scenarios for interaction as they relate to production of an engaging experience for your audience. This assignment will be initiated with a quick one paragraph proposal followed by both in-class and independent production time.
References: David Tudor, Norman White, Eddo Stern, Christina Kubisch, Simon Penny, Eduardo Kac, Ken Goldberg, Alan Rath, Matthew Ritchie, Gary Hill, Golan Levin, Hans Haacke, Cory Archangel, Brody Condon, Lynn Hershman, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Camille Utterback, Bill Viola
Artist Presentations
You will be asked to do three 5-10 minute presentations on one artist from each of the above reference lists. In addition to internet-based research you are required to go to the library and bring at least one book or catalog or article for your classmates (read "colleagues") to reference.
We will be using the following Software/Hardware Solutions (...or problems:)
- Processing
- Arduino
- PureData (PD) (optional)