Visual Arts

UAC Code: 754605

This major is based on studio practice and related theory and history studies. The studio processes cover textiles, painting and sculpture with support studies in curatorial practice, photography, video, printmaking, installation and digital image making. Student work is shown throughout the year in one of the gallery spaces in the Faculty.

In first year, studio subjects introduce students to a range of media and processes. Studio skills are taught and a critical approach to their use is fostered in weekly seminars, which study the histories of each art and craft discipline. In second year, studio subjects build on these basic techniques and skills. Increased emphasis is placed on the students' ability to achieve independence in ideas, technical skills and work practices. Students are encouraged to contextualise their artwork in contemporary practice by developing research processes, attending exhibitions and participating in the wider artistic community. In third year studio subjects, students are expected to explore and develop personal themes and ideas to a greater depth. Professional practice as a visual artist is introduced. This includes skills in visual presentation appropriate to the medium, gallery practice and compiling a professional portfolio. The focus is on the completion of a body of work for exhibition in the final year graduating exhibition.

In first year students are given a foundation in Introduction to Theories of Visual Culture and Perspectives on Modernism as a background to their second year of study in Early Visual Arts and Design in Australia and The Artist in Contemporary Culture. By third year, the focus turns to Australian Indigenous Art and Visual Culture and Representation and Space in the Post Colonial World.

Specific Entry Requirements

Applicants are asked to submit a set of photographs of six or more of their most recent artworks. If selected for an interview, applicants must bring a full portfolio of their work - original work is required.

Major Study Program

Electives

Single degree BCA students must also include 36 credit points of electives in their degree, of which no more than 18 credit points should be at 100 level. Electives may be selected from the general schedule and might include CREA102, CREA202 and VISA350.