Painting (Dissertation and minor studio project)
HONOURS SUBJECT AREA
Painting addresses historical and contemporary concepts and techniques relating to contemporary painting practice.
Painting is broadly defined as an extended practice with a broad range of representational and non-objective, material, spatial and intellectual possibilities. The object, colour and surface, installation and arrangement, the ready-made, the role of typography, photography and digital processes may each profoundly impact on painting as a contemporary practice. During the course these are explored through focused and self-initiated projects. As your studies progress, you will be encouraged to develop your own approaches and set out parameters to create a valid studio practice.
The honours year
The Honours year at Sydney College of the Arts provides students with the opportunity to establish a research practice through the development of a visual art project, over two semesters’ full-time study. Students work with an allocated supervisor for the general supervision of both their studio and written work.
Students produce a body of artwork for exhibition and examination, and a research paper or dissertation based on their research proposal. There are two categories of candidature:
(1) Honours by Studio Project and Research Paper (5-7000 words)
(2) Honours by Dissertation (15,000 words) and Minor Studio project.
Workload and assessment
In Honours by Dissertation the emphasis is placed on your writing and research. Your proposition and argument are the focus of your study. The Studio Project should be informed by your investigations and play a supportive role only.
While it is not compulsory for candidates of Honours by Dissertation to attend the Studio Seminar/Research Paper A unit of study, it is recommended. The seminar program offers each student an opportunity show work in progress and to discuss their research with staff and students in their group. Participation can contribute to the development of both your Dissertation and the Minor Studio Project.
The 15,000-word Dissertation provides the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of theoretical and critical issues that affect art making. Writing a Dissertation at this level involves a commitment to serious scholarship, focused research, disciplined editing, rigorous analysis and frequent supervision.
Honours students also undertake the Honours Theories of Art Practice unit of study.