Discipline Based Art Education versus Visual Culture Art Education

This is from a workshop I gave at the NESA conference in Bangkok.

Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE)
def. a comprehensive Art Education Program combining skill, knowledge, and understanding art.

The 4 main components of a DBAE classroom are: 

Art Making

Art History

Art Criticism

Aesthetics

Visual Culture Art Education (VCAE)
def. A combination that includes elements of art history, cultural studies, anthropology, critical theory, philosophy, and visual imagery.


What makes a Visual Culture?
  

Advertisment

Web/Computer Design

Architecture and Urban Design

Fashion

Television and Media

Film and Video

Print Media

Fine Arts and Photography

Digital Multimedia

Social Networking


 How important are images to us? 


Object ≠ Art but is a product of one's Visual Culture.

Social/Political Assignment Part 2-Printmaking

Per our classroom discussion and slideshow on designing a social/political composition, you were asked to decide on an idea/cause/issue you wanted to speak about.

Assignment:
Printmaking-Reduction Print

Objective:
The student will learn how to create a multicolor print using one plate/block. The students will focus and demonstrate the Principles of Art (Line, Shape, and Color) and the Elements of Art (Emphasis, Balance, Harmony, Rhythm, and Unity).

Vocabulary:
Reduction print, brayer, ink plate, gouge, block/plate, edition, and baren 

Supplies:
Designing Step: scratch paper, pencil, color pencils, light table (optional), marker/sharpie, carbon paper 
Printing Step: 9" x 12" rubber block/plate, 11" x 15" paper, water-based ink, gouge, brayer, ink plate, baren, damp towel

The Process:
The act of making a block reduction print is an abstract concept to most students and most will still have questions at the end of a demonstration. The actual authentic learning and understanding occurs during the process of gouging and printing.

Step 1: Design image with color choices

Step 2: Transfer image to plate with pencil, carbon paper (optional), and trace with a think tip permanent marker. The following examples were made in class. Thanks Hasnae allowing me to use your example:

Step 3: Gouging or Printing. If the final image will have white in it, gouge out the white area. If there will be no white in the image, begin printing. In either scenario print the lightest color first. You will print all 12 sheets.

Step 4: Once you printed all 12 sheets wash your block/plate and carve out the area of the color you just printed. Repeat this step after each color. Allow at least 5 hours in between printing colors.

Caution: avoid over inking a block as it will both smear the image and build up a layer of ink.

Step 5: Sign, number, and title (optional) each print. 

Finished and unfinished student examples: 

Nabil's print after 3 colors (white, silver, and blue)

Jomana's final print

Farida's final print

Ink and brayer on an ink plate

Related links: Natalia Moroz Blue Chisel Studio

Post project essential questions:
What was successful about your project?
What part of the project did you find challenging?
Is the concept of reduction printing still an abstract idea or do you think you could do it again without instruction and/or can teach it to a peer?
Why do you think printmakers make a set edition of prints?

Please answer and e-mail your responses to: bmedina@schutzschool.org.eg

Social/Political Assignment-Part 1

Social and Political Issues in Art: inspired by Sara Gant, NC

Per our discussion and slide show of the images below during class, I would like to remind you that no matter what position you take on an issue, there will always be a counter balance. 

Assignment:
Social/Political block reduction print (the process and examples will be in the next post) I just want you to think about your topic for now.


Objective:
You will choose an issue/cause you care deeply about. This issue should be something that is a concern in your society or elsewhere in the world. Here is a partial list of some of the issues you might want to consider: environment, racism, gender issues, child labor, domestic violence, discrimination, religious views, war, social-economic class, poverty, bullying, mental health, animal rights, gay rights…What issues do you CARE about? Have you been affected by an issue or know a family member or a friend who has? How did it affect them?

Project Description:
Your image may be subtle or in your face. Think about what point of view you want to depict (An animal being experimented on, for example, if you are for animal rights.) You project will be image based with possible minimal text. Think about your color scheme (six color limit).

Starting:
Spend time researching the issue you have chosen to speak about. Use paper to jot down images, quotes, or words that relate to you idea. You can borrow ideas from other images to help you develop your initial ideas, BUT YOUR WORK SHOULD BE YOUR OWN. Your sketches should be a visual record of the research and documentation that you have done.

Post Project Writing Assignment:
Write about your image. Answer a number of following questions in 2-3 paragraphs.
What is the reasoning for choosing your topic?
Why do you feel the way you do?
What are your arguments for or against your topic?
What or who has influenced your decisions and opinions about your topic?
What is the opposition to your issue?
How would/do you interact with someone who has an opposing view?
Can you see the opposition's point of view?
Is your artwork intended to offend?
Who would be offended?
Does an artist have a right to offend?
Critique your project: 
Are you effective in getting your point across? How?
Is there a focal point (center of interest)?
How do you effectively use the Principles of Design?

Additional Resources: The Graphic Imperative  Posters Propaganda Posters Justseeds.org

You Can Click on Image to enlarge.