ART 287 - Art, Ecology, & Interdisciplinary Practice

What does it mean, and what does it take, to make art from an ecological perspective? How do environmental conditions, ideas of sustainability, and categories of human/non-human, shape the existence and meaning of artworks? At least since the term was coined in the late nineteenth century, ecology has challenged artists and scientists to think critically about the physical (or “natural”) world and its transformation over time. In this studio art course, students take up this challenge by investigating, questioning, and expanding upon inter-relationships between cultural and ecological systems using the framework of interdisciplinary sculpture. We examine key themes in ecological thought, paying particular attention to how recent and contemporary artists have engaged with the practices and discourses of ecology. Students in the course will develop projects which may take shape as ecologically-engaged objects, site/situation-specific installations, environmental media, human/non-human interactions, and more. Readings and discussions for the class will focus on critical approaches to ecology and interdisciplinarity rooted in the humanities and social sciences. Prior experience or familiarity with drawing, sculpture, and/or photographic media is desired (but not required) for students participating in this course.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Instructional Method: Studio
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 2 times for credit.
Notes: Enrollment limited to 15. Registration priority is given to intended / declared art majors.
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.).
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a non-English language, or works of the visual or performing arts.
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a non-English language, or works of the visual or performing arts).