Studio Barcelona: The Artist's Perspective

This course presents a hands-on approach to some of the ideas (themes) being explored by contemporary artists living today in Spain, such as Eulàlia Valldosera, Chema Madoz or Pilar Albarracín, and abroad, such as Sarah Sze, Cildo Meirelles or William Kentridge. Contemporary art refers to the work of artists who are living in the twenty-first century. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the processes followed by artists and how a piece of art is developed from its initial conception to a finished artwork. In addition, the course will help you develop an understanding of the relationship between art and culture in Catalonia and Spain.

You will be asked to complete five different practical projects, each a part of five units in which the course is divided. Specifically, the course is divided in the following units: Structure, Place, Emotion, Surface, Stories. Each unit represents a major concern or area of interest prevalent in the work of today's artists.

After being introduced to a new concept and a set of art techniques, you will make drawings, collages, work with found objects and introduce a narrative element in your art, having the chance to show your work in progress in group critiques, as well as participate in class discussions sharing the ideas this work has generated. For these exchanges, readings will be mandatory. Although introductory lectures are necessary to get acquainted with each new theme, this is a practical course, focused in the development and completion of five art pieces utilizing different art techniques. As a student abroad, the city of Barcelona will become your source of ideas and inspiration for your own projects. Throughout the course, the class will also participate in a variety of field studies, including visits to commercial art galleries, a local artist studio or a museum collection. A guest artist will also be invited to give a presentation examining his/her work.

No special skills or previous expertise are required for this course. Your most important skill will be to keep an open mind and constructive attitude to explore new techniques, materials and ideas. In addition, you must create an artist's book during the length of the course. It will be used to write your reviews after every field trip, as well as to record your creative process: from a budding idea to a completed art piece. You can write down ideas, inspiration, sketches, questions, answers, useful information... This will be an on-going project to be handed in at the end of the semester.