Master’s Course: Art Theory and Practice

Aesthetics is a fundamental concept in the field of art that deals with the study of beauty and taste in artistic expression. It is concerned with how we perceive and evaluate art, and how we distinguish between what is beautiful and what is not. Aesthetics seeks to understand the underlying principles and concepts that make art meaningful, and how they affect our emotional and intellectual responses to it. This theory of aesthetics encompasses various philosophical, cultural, and historical perspectives, providing a framework for analyzing and interpreting artistic works across different genres and media.

This self guided section will discuss the theories and nuances of historical bodies of thinking. These bodies of thinking guide art practice for professionals and students exploring deeper meaning in their art practice.

There are various theories of art practice that artists can explore to inform and enhance their creative process. One theory is the formalist approach, which emphasizes the visual and formal aspects of art, such as line, color, and composition, rather than its content or meaning. Another theory is the expressionist approach, which focuses on the artist's personal emotions and experiences as the driving force behind the artwork. The cultural approach considers how cultural and societal factors influence art and its interpretation. The feminist approach highlights the ways in which gender shapes artistic practice and representation. The postmodern approach challenges traditional notions of art and questions its authority and legitimacy. Finally, the participatory approach involves collaboration between artists and the audience, with the artwork serving as a catalyst for dialogue and engagement. By considering and incorporating these various theories, artists can develop a more nuanced and informed approach to their art practice.

We will discuss how technology has changed the way we view art. Specifically how artificial intelligence is shaping the practice of art and the way we view art as a commodity.

In this section, we will explore ways that you can apply theory to your art practice. You’ll develop your own artist statement and discuss the theories that impact your work so you leave the course with the theoretical foundation to a portfolio with deeper meaning.

In this section of the course we will conclude with a seminar on how you can show that you go beyond critical skills in craftsmanship and take your work to another level. In this section, I will show you how to write about your work and incorporate other arts to show what you know.