Visual Culture and Esthetic Learning Strategies

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop educational models within which theoretically based research and artistic development mutually contribute to new forms of knowledge. The masters program in Art Education at Konstfack will serve as a studio/workshop with the goal of creating a more mutually enriching relationship between academic research and artistic practice. The purpose is three-fold: 1) To develop forms of documentation that can be used to identify and reflect over the aesthetic learning strategies and forms of knowledge that arise in the practice of visual art; 2) To establish the legitimacy of these strategies and forms of knowledge as a basis for ongoing research in art education; and 3) To establish a sound foundation for pursuing doctoral work in art education and visual culture studies based in artistic practice. The project starts in two art projects each led by a faculty member in the department. The processes are documented throughout the project, using a variety of documentation forms, including diaries and sketches, photography and video. Both students and teachers review the documentation during the course of the project, as a basis for reflection over the work and its qualities, and to address questions of what is being displayed and learned through this process. The projects will culminate in a joint exhibition, and also be compared with a similar project "Art Lab" at Valand, Gothenburg. Assessing the quality of work in the visual arts is only one aspect of the more important issue of these kinds of knowledge processes. What are the aesthetic learning strategies that come into play as a work is being created? Can these be identified and developed - encouraged or criticized? The relationship between process and product; Can the process be made more transparent and reflective, both to the artist and to the viewer? These are questions that arts colleges and other institutions will be attempting to answer as they develop post-graduate programs in the visual arts.