From complacency to conforming controversy

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

From complacency to conforming controversy

Using the merger of an independent Art College with a Russell Group University as context, this paper reflects on the purpose and relevance of medium specific teaching in relation to research oriented learning.

Critically reflecting on issues related to variances in perception of ‘specialism’ by reflecting on historic assumptions, current realities and future possibilities I will define some of the pedagogical developments through this process of change.

The conceit of this paper is to reframe the contested nature of the art school in a University context, to reconsider and recalibrate what is vital in fine art education.
The provocation is to suggest that rather than working against the governing institution (perhaps the historical precedence for art schools in universities) you work with it, and within it, using its structures and systems to refocus the relationship between teaching, administration and research. To reconsider what specialist or discipline specific teaching and learning is, or could be.

Addressing the problem from the standpoint of fine art education as a process of self-discovery, and as the Head of Art during the merger, I propose to discuss the experience of an art school education as three distinct but entangled apprehensions.

Form: Alertness. Being in the moment, attentive to the fabric and impression of the conditions and environment. Being human.
Transformation: Understanding material. Enabling the evolution of an idea through responding to matter.
Information: Acquiring experience from knowledge. Finding a context.

I propose that fine art education needs to keep contrary objectives and ideals in sight. That way we can cultivate an environment and a community where we learn from and with each other and from and with stuff.
Perhaps learning in a universal context can enable a fundamental unmasking and broader understanding of the nature of artistic production?
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 10 Sept 2015
Eventparadox - European Fine Art Forum - Poznan, United Kingdom
Duration: 9 Sept 201512 Sept 2015

Conference

Conferenceparadox - European Fine Art Forum
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityPoznan
Period9/09/1512/09/15

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • PARADOX The Hidden Curriculum
  • Alternative Zones: Uncovering the Official and the Unofficial in Fine Art Practice, Research and Education
  • art education
  • pedagogy

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