Study Guide

Objective

The students will be able to:
• use contemporary methods and modes of expression in their own work
• consider their expression from the aesthetic and ethical perspective
• critically analyse and develop their own three-dimensional expression
• actively follow and analyse regional, national and international trends and phenomena in sculpture

Content

The students will focus on the content and modes of expression in contemporary sculpture. What can a three-dimensional object say about today’s society, and how? Which materials are environmentally sustainable? The studies introduce topical aspects of contemporary sculpture, such as spatial, multisensory and cross-disciplinary modes of expression as well as the relationship between a work and the audience.
The studies are completed according to the plan at workshops. During this course, the students will design and execute a three-dimensional work of art or collection of works. In addition, the students will create a visual presentation about a contemporary sculptor of their choice as instructed by the teacher and based on source materials. The course may also include visits to exhibitions and studios, artist lectures and excursions.

Teaching methods

The learning methods emphasise task-based learning, project-based learning and face-to-face teaching. At the beginning of the course, the student defines, together with the supervising teacher, a goal for his/her/their work, which is approached through personal work, group and individual meetings and self-reflection.

Exam schedules

If you fail to complete the course, contact your supervising teacher.

Content scheduling

During the course, three-dimensional sketches will be designed and executed as part of a development plan for the Linnanniemi Arts District. The City of Turku's has commissioned the Arts Academy to design sculptural roadblocks, which it hopes will support the character of the new district. One of the sketches produced during the course will be selected for further development and production. The course "Wood as a material for sculpture" will run concurrently with this course.

The actual course is preceded by an intensive workshop (1 credit) during the workshop week and the week of independent work, aimed at gathering material and sketching out preliminary ideas. The week's programme includes exploring the topic, benchmarking different models, visiting places (documenting the places for further study) and getting to know the specific features of the area, etc. During the workshop, students will collectively carry out a background material survey and independently create a series of quick sketches of ideas (using ceramics as material).

For the actual course delivery (5 credits), students select 1-2 drafts produced in the intensive phase for further development. The selection may be supported by a discussion session with a representative of the commissioning agency to spar with the students. The sketches will be turned into a finalised 1:3 scale work proposal. The material used for the miniatures will be plaster. We will also organise a visit to a concrete foundry to make the basics and possibilities of the realisation process more concrete.

The material produced in the final part of the sketching phase will be put together into an exhibition (in the House of Arts). The exhibition will include scale models, ceramic sketches, and possibly digitally realised image prints of concrete columns in their "real" positions (as prints or on screen) and 3D modelled sketches to be tested with an AR application.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

The learning task forms the basis of the assessment, which focuses on the appropriate scale of the work, control of the work process and artistic expression. All assignments given during the course must be completed and will contribute to the assessment. At the end of the course, there will be an individual assessment discussion, either common to all or alternatively between the student and the teacher. Self-assessment, peer and teacher assessment will be emphasised in the assessment discussion.