Spencer Street Studio is offering a two year course in the Theory and Practice of Art. Introduced in 2009, the course includes lectures, talks by practicing artists, gallery and museum "walk-abouts", discussion groups and readings.

Designed and convened by Julia Teale and Peter Jenks, the course provides an introduction to and exploration of some of the key philosophies and theories of artistic practice.

The intention is to broaden the students' general knowledge of art with the specific aim of giving them greater insight and interpretative skill when considering contemporary artistic practice, both local and international.

The course is aimed at practicing artists as well as those interested in art but who have no formal background in art appreciation and discourse.

CONTENT

Art Theory:

Lectures will cover key theoretical concepts (both past and present) that inform artistic practice. Topics will include Modernism, Feminism, Postmodernism, Structuralism and their related developments.

Art History:

Specific artistic movements and trends will be discussed in relation to the abovementioned theories.

Artists:

Lectures will focus on artists central to some of the practices and movements discussed, with particular emphasis on South African artists, including Penny Siopis, William Kentridge and Steven Cohen.

Guest Lecturers and Visiting Artists:

When opportunities arise, artists and other specialists in the art world will be invited to give lectures on their work, particularly in relation to contemporary local exhibitions on view at the time..

Art in Practice:

The issues facing the practicing artist, such as funding, exhibiting, curating and otherwise negotiating the “art world” will be addressed.

Readings:

A CD with containing additional reading references and key articles related to the lectures will be provided.

Time Table

The 1st Year course will run as a series of 6 lectures per term over 4 terms per year. (The terms correspond roughly with Western Cape Schools timetable).

The 2nd Year course will run as a series of 3-4 lectures per term over the same period.

Refer to the studio web site for specific details. Address given below.

Fees:

Students registered for courses in Painting and/or Drawing at Spencer Street Studio: R65 per lecture or R360 for the term.

Non-Students: R75 per lecture of R450 per term.

"Walk-abouts" at exhibitions will be conducted with no charge.

Special lectures by visiting artists/lecturers will be charged for separately when arranged.

FIRST TERM TIMETABLE

1ST YEAR: 18 February – 25 March.

18th Feb: What is Art? (PJ)
25th Feb: What is Painting? (JT)
4th Mar: What is Sculpture? (PJ)
11th Mar: Modernism. (JT)
18th Mar: Feminism. (JT)
25th Mar: Postmodernism. (PJ)

2nd YEAR: 18th February – 4th March

18th Feb: Introduction to DADA
19th Feb: DADA walk-about South African National Gallery. 1pm
25th Feb: Discussion regarding the walk-about.
4th Mar: Marcel Duchamp (JT)

THE TIMETABLE FOR EACH TERM WILL BE POSTED DURING THE BREAK BEFORE EACH TERM.