107-028 Australian Art: Colonial to Pop

Usually 25 points of first-year art history, see Prerequisites.

This subject engages with key aspects in Australian art from European settlement to 1968. It aims to show ways of interpreting Australian art through a focus upon subject matter and the relationship of art to historical events. Topics considered will include the perceptual values known as the picturesque and the sublime in topographical and landscape painting respectively; the concept of Terra Nullius and how the indigenous inhabitants were imaged; the colonial portrait; women artists of the 19th century; nationalism that infused the art of Australian impressionism, Australian artists abroad; neo-classicism and the 'stampede of the lower gods'; the gaze, homo-eroticism and the Anzac legend; modernism in Sydney and Melbourne and the growing awareness of new European movements such as expressionism, cubism, and surrealism; the art polemics of the 1940s; Australian pop art and the swinging 60s.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge in an intelligent and economical way through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, essays, assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through involvement in syndicate groups and group discussions.

An essay of 2500 words 60% (due during the semester) and a take-home examination of 1500 words 40% (during the examination period). It is a hurdle requirement of this subject that students attend 75% of tutorials in order to receive an assessment for this subject.

A subject reader will be available.