Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Student
- learn an introduction to the history, development and contemporary practices of Environmental Art.
- learn how to engage and analyze the public space by becoming more aware of all the perceptual, haptic, tactile, historical, social, and natural forces that have shaped that place or space, and then learn how to develop a response to that space.
- learn how to develop and implement a sight-specific art project for an existing public space.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Environmental Art is an umbrella term that captures a wide range of artistic activities that includes, site-specific art, bio-art, art-in-public-places, art-in-context, site-generated-art, as well as other terms. Basically, the course deals with how artists are making art outside the context of museums and galleries.
The goal of this course is to make students more aware of the various ways that contemporary artists are engaging the environment with art. The course has an added goal of giving an historical look at how this field developed and who were the important artist in this field. Finally, the most important goal of the course is that the student will test their own ideas outside in the environment.
Students will be given a number of short assignments that will emphasize various aspects of environmental art, such as: using natural materials, working with found-objects, designing with light, working with words and text, developing a site-specific work, making a social or political statement in a public space, and making a sculptural object for a public space.

Timing and attendance

The course will be structured so that during each week there will be one assignment. Each assignment will be connected to a different theme or method for approaching the environment. There are options to work alone or in groups. Most students end up making so-called "real" projects in the environment, while other students might chose to make a so-called "dream-project", which is a proposal in the form of a presentation or scale-model.

Learning material and recommended literature

Aside from the lectures, there will be given internet links and other materials will be given each day

Working life cooperation

Some internships may arise according to projects that will be offered to the school.

Exam retakes

The dates for critiques are typically on Friday of the first and second week, and then at the last day of the course.

Learning environment

Aside from the Covid lockdowns, the course will be held in person.
The course is conducted in English.

Student time use and work load

Daily attendance is required, as well as completion of projects.

The courses typically take place between 13.00 – 16.00, from Tuesday to Friday. Exceptions to the schedule might occur on critique day, when we typically begin in mornings around 11.00. The evaluation comes primarily at the critiques and then in the final grade when the student has completed the course work.

Contents

Most information will be given in person. There will only be online information if we must move to distance learning.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No previous knowledge is required.

Assessment criteria

Attendance to all lectures is primary. Every student should make school their top priority. All other matters must take second place. Any missed days will result in a lowering of your grade (unless for doctor appointments. That said, doctor appointments should be arranged in the mornings to avoid conflict with the course). All assignments must be turned in, otherwise, it will cause a reduction in the grade. Fulfilling those two essential areas will give you a passable grade. Beyond that, the time and energy you put into the course will be seen in the works you produce and will determine the final grade. Most students can make a 4-5 grade-point just by attending and showing interest in the course. More than 1-2 days missed in the course will mean you will have to take the course over again.

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

• Can work according to instructions
• Can produce ideas for making a work of art and implement works of art
• Can identify and describe methods of making art under supervision
• Can participate in a guided learning discussion
• Can apply for professional knowledge in his / her field

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

• Can apply a variety of alternatives to his / her artistic work process
• Is able to implement works of art in a guided and independent way based on his / her ideas and develops his / her work based on the feedback he / she receives
• Can independently identify and compare the methods of making art
• Can evaluate and justify competence and set artistic, content and technical development goals
• Can follow and describe a professional discussion in his / her field

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

• Is able to apply and develop different alternatives to his / her artistic work process
• Is able to use what he / she has learned systematically and creatively when implementing works and to apply the feedback he / she receives
• Can apply the methods he uses and analyze works
• Is able to evaluate, develop and expand artistic, content and technical competence
• Can participate in a professional discussion in his / her field