Assignment#1 Bateman Gallery Visit

"... how much more elaborately wrought is the frame through which our adult eyes survey the landscape. For although we are accustomed to separate nature and human perception into two realms, they are, in fact indivisible." Simon Schama, Landscape and Memory

Go to the Robert Bateman Centre and spend some time in the exhibition galleries. Class time on Wednesday May 16 is allotted for your visit, although you may go any time is convenient for you. (Note: give yourself sufficient time to work on the assignment! - you may find repeat visits useful)

This biographical art centre describes itself in part, thusly: "...Bateman travels the world, falls in love and becomes an outspoken advocate for nature. He is a deeply romantic man and his passions pour out in this collection of works."

Consider the Centre within the context of concepts discussed in the introductory classes, or that are of particular interest to you. Are there any ways in which you see the course theme manifest in the art works and/or gallery design?

Here are some other questions to orient your response to the Centre: What is your response to these exhibits and their concerns?

Why does it "matter" to know about where/how art is created? Does a sense of ‘place' come through in the exhibit?

Do any specific galleries or works have a particular resonance for you? Why? What struck you most? Why?
(Elaborate as fully as possible)

Consider the Centre as a whole. How does knowing where the art works were created contextualize the pieces?

How is the Centre experienced by the viewer? (i.e. what do people take away with them?) What did you take away from it?

Do you think it is successful in it's aims? Why, or why not?

Write up a short written response (750-1000 words)

Assignment#2 Personal Environments

"... how much more elaborately wrought is the frame through which our adult eyes survey the landscape. For although we are accustomed to separate nature and human perception into two realms, they are, in fact indivisible." Simon Schama, Landscape and Memory

For this assignment I want you to consider the landscapes and overlays that inform your personal relationship with your environment. In the first couple of classes I've given you some examples from my own experiences and that Schama identifies as his in the book referred to above.

I'd like you to start with a visual approach. The idea for this came from what are often referred to as ‘double exposure' photos (as below; although most of them are created in Photoshop rather than being true double exposures). What environments would you show as within you?

Up North & random tumblr image, both found on Pinterest

Second, I'd like you to actually make one/some of these images. Because we rarely actually see ourselves within our landscapes, doing this as a physical practice has some uses. The format for this was inspired by another Pinterest find - the fashion cut-outs of artist ShamekhBluwi. Print your original photograph on a piece of paper, cut out your shape and use that as a frame against backgrounds you find meaningful. Take photographs of the resultant compositions.

Because we're not making fashion illustrations, use an actual photograph of yourself as the base, and your cut-out should probably be of your entire self - unless you have a conceptual reason for doing otherwise.

While it may not be practical to visit all the actual locations that you'd like to use, it would probably be helpful if you can find at least one physical environment to visit. Using photographs as the backdrop is also acceptable, and/or on-line images if your personal image collection is not accessible.

For the purposes of this assignment all locations should be real-world places. You may create composite images of location + "overlay" if you wish.

Finally, write up a short response to accompany your images (500 words minimum).

Consider your results within the context of concepts discussed in the introductory class, and/or that are of particular interest to you. Be as critically reflective as you can. Are there any ways in which you see the course theme manifest the images you created?

Does a sense of ‘place' come through in your images?
How do personal and shared-cultural perceptions reveal themselves in your image? Which ones have the most resonance for you? Why?
Was there anything that surprised you about the images or your reaction to them? Why? What did you take away from the experience?

Send me your writing and a copy of your photo.

Attachment:- Assignment Details.rar