Brian Andrews
timeart@enteract.com
“The
growing circulation of the new graphic currency that digital imaging technology
mints is relentlessly destabilizing the photographic orthodoxy … this condition
demands a fundamental critical reappraisal of the uses to which we put graphic
artifacts, the values we assign to them, and the ethical principles that guide
our transactions with them.”
- William J. Mitchell, The
Reconfigured Eye
Digital
imaging is everywhere. Most images in our culture, whether in a magazine or
gallery, have passed thru a computer at some point. Understanding the
conceptual implications and technological shifts of digital image making is
essential for the practicing artist.
This
class will introduce students to digital cameras and scanning techniques for
the creation of digital images. Our primary interface for these images will be
the Adobe Photoshop software package. Students will explore multiple forms of
digital output, including printing to paper, film, and the web. Each section of
the course has been designed to illuminate the conceptual issues, technical
concerns, and aesthetic choices inherent to the medium.
The objective of this
course is for the student to challenge their ideas about technology and image
making. Students are expected to engage with imaging techniques regularly and
actively contribute to class discussions and critiques.
Project
1 – Transformations
Concept
– Working on the computer gives us the ability to choose the exact appearance
of our images. This is both a blessing and a curse. Creative freedom is
wonderful, but all of our choices have ramifications we must be aware of and
incorporate into the conception of our artwork. These processes transform an
image both in context and content.
Deliverables
– Create a work of art confronting the idea of transformation. Think
of every possible interpretation and definition you can. Any of them are
acceptable. Feel free to let the definition itself change over the course of
the project. You must turn in a minimum of six color correct inkjet prints as
well as a CD-ROM containing the image files.
References
– “The Paradoxes of Digital Photography”, “Intention and Artifice”, “How to do
Things with Pictures”, and Chapters 1 – 5 of the text
Project
2 – Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
Concept
- This project will demonstrate your skills in retouching and digital imaging.
Create an artwork that somehow calls into questions the notion of photographic
“space” while maintaining the appearance of the picture plane.
Deliverables
- Feel free to use the digital cameras, scanners, or any other technique
covered in class in order to create a suitable artwork.
References
– “Image Simulations, Computer Manipulations: Some Considerations”, and
Chapters 11 – 16 of the text
Project
3 – Off the Page and into the World
Concept
– Previous to this assignment, all of our work has taken the form of ink
printed on paper. This project will take our knowledge of digital imaging and
apply them to a context outside of our previous output limitations.
Deliverables
– Create a work of art utilizing digital techniques output to an alternative
media. Large prints or prints on specialty papers can be made at the service
bureau. Use the film recorder for a slide installation. Publish to the web.
Create a video. SURPRISE ME..
References
– “Digitalian Treasures, or Glimpses of art on the CD-ROM Frontier”,
“Improbable Architecture”, and Chapters 6 – 7 of the text
Final
Project
This is
your opportunity to put all we have learned this semester into a unified
artwork. Create a piece that demonstrates your acquired knowledge of the medium
in terms of concept, technique, and aesthetics.
§
Real World Adobe Photoshop, Adobe
Systems and Peach Pit Press
§
Handouts provided by the instructor
A notebook and pen
Recordable CDs as needed
Zip Disks
inkjet and other printing paper as needed.
Attendance– This course will strictly
follow the attendance policies of the school. More then three absences will
result in no credit. The information in this course is cumulative and we will
not be able to backtrack for students who missed class. Two tardies (including
in the afternoon) will count as one absence.
Participation– Students are required to full
participate in all critiques and class sessions. Students who come unprepared
for lab time or do not speak during a critique will be considered absent.
Assignments– All assignments are to be
turned in on time. Students should expect to spend at least 12 hours per week
on assignments outside of class.
Calendar is subject to change as
to the needs of the class.
AM: Introduction
to course requirements, Review “Some Rules and Hints for Students and Teachers
or Anybody Else” by John Cage, Brief survey of digital photography and art.
PM: Facilities orientation, Digital camera demo,
Assign Project #1: “Transformations”, Assign Reading “The Paradoxes of Digital Photography” by Lev Manovich
AM: More art,
Mac OS review (if necessary), Introduction to the Photoshop interface, Working
with bitmapped images, lab.
PM: Discuss Manovich reading, Assign Reading:
“Intention and Artifice” and “How to do Things with Pictures” by William J.
Mitchell, Digital color correction demo, Inkjet printing demo, lab.
AM: Discuss
Mitchell reading, more color corrections, masking. Lab
PM: Lab
Week 4
AM: Critique Project
#1.
PM: Critique
Project #1. Assign Project #2 - “Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the
Curtain”
AM: Scanning
Demo, Imaging / Retouching Demo
PM: Discuss / Present relevant artists, Assign
reading: “Image Simulations, Computer Manipulations: Some Considerations” by
Martha Rosler, Lab
AM: More
imaging techniques, Discuss Rosler reading, Film Recorder Demo, Lab
PM: Review Chapters 14 – 16 in text, Service
Bureau Visit
AM: Discuss /
Present relevant artists, Lab
PM: Lab
AM: Critique
Project #2.
PM: Critique Project #2. Assign Project #3 - “Off
the Page and into the World”
AM: Photography
on the web, Introduction to image ready
PM: Automated web page design, Assign Reading “Digitalian Treasures, or Glimpses of art on
the CD-ROM Frontier”, by Erkki Hahtamo. Lab
AM: Discuss /
Present relevant artists, More Web design, Discuss Hahtamo, Lab
PM: Gallery visit.
Week 11
AM: Lab.
PM: Lab.
Week 12
AM: Critique
Project #3.
PM: Critique Project #3. Assign Final Project
AM: Discuss /
Present relevant artists, Assign Reading “Improbable Architecture” by Paul
Virilio, Lab.
PM: MCA visit.
AM: Discuss
Reading #5, Lab.
PM: Lab
AM: Critique
final project
PM: Critique final project
Let’s make some art!