James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

VA4021:12

Research Practice

Townsville HECS Band 1

Contact hours as negotiated with Head of College. Full year.

Available, at the discretion of the Head of College, to all students with a BVA or equivalent qualification undertaking the BVA Honours (Research) degree.

The subject will encompass the fostering of individual strategies and work practices appropriate to an individual requiring a high level of creative independence balanced by the maintenance of positive student/supervisor relationships; the application of methodologies which thoroughly integrate practical and theoretical concerns and bring them to fruition; the enhancement of ongoing and appropriate learning strategies to creative practice; the ways and means of applying and consistently developing technical mastery towards a body of work designed for critical review; the provision of sound strategies for independent visual research, its collection, processing applications and destination; the presentation of the processes of art production, the nature of the codes and conventions and key theoretical influences at work in visual images, art works and architecture.

Learning Objectives:

  1. to engage in and acquire advanced techniques and/or practices within the chosen field of specialisation to a fully professional level;
  2. to demonstrate these techniques and/or practices;
  3. to apply a highly focussed perception culminating in a body of work where a strong relationship between theory and practice is demonstrated;
  4. to locate ideas and working methods within the broader context of contemporary art practice and tradition;
  5. to bring a body of work to fruition in a professionally documented exhibition installation or presentation where the candidate’s offering adds a greater depth and meaning to the work;
  6. to demonstrate an ability to synthesise visual and other species of process oriented material and reflect upon the processes which informed or otherwise impacted on the work.

Assessment by presentation of a previously agreed upon body of work leading to a one person exhibition, presentation or installation in an accredited space or site. The body of work should be accompanied by a professional standard of documentation in the form of a catalogue, statement, invitations and identification of works shown.