STUDY PROGRAMME
Graphic Design and Art Direction

AFAM CODE
ABTEC38

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Digital applications for visual arts

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Computer art

CREDITS
6

APPROACH
Theoretical/project based

This course analyses the history of the close relation between technological change and artistic research, in particular associated to the use of computers from the appearance of the first aesthetic experimentation. Through a methodological approach, this course deals with the design implications associated with interactive solutions in the communication context, with a focus of graphical and visual aspects.

The programme consists of one single module, which grants 6 credits.

Successful students will be able to:

• Analyse the languages of computer art, understanding their historical and technological origins

• Develop an interdisciplinary approach to art, associating technological and cultural aesthetics to the complex production and presentation systems

• Devise a project of expressive relevance through suitable technologies

• Technocultural evolution in relation to computer art: the invention of the oscilloscope and the work of Ben Laposky, Olivelli and the Fluxus movement until the complex systems of the contemporary artistic production

• Analysis of some phenomena and practices associated with the new art technologies and media art: manipulations, interactions, immersions, and new exhibition criteria

• The range of languages and aesthetics developed within Software and net art, interactive stories and game art, hackers and artistic activism

• Designing with Processing, Xcode, Supercollider, Touchdesigner

This is a theoretical/project based course.

Students will take part in the following activities, which may vary depending on the development of different projects:

• Classroom lectures

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools

• Exercises and revisions

• Workshops

• Individual or group projects

• Individual or group study and research

Assessment tools may include:

• Mid-term written exam: closed questions about the presented theories, and analysis of a case among those introduced by the professor

• Final project: presentation of a project that is consistent with the professor’s brief, and questions aimed at checking technical/analytical skills related to software choice

Further details about the exams will be provided by the professors.

• Ascott, R. (author) Shanken, E. A. (editor) (2007) Telematic Embrace.

• Harrison, D. (2013) Digital Media and Technologies for Virtual Artistic Spaces, IGI Global.

Many of the recommended sources, together with additional material, are also available online on MyNaba, in the Library section.

Books and resources might be requested or suggested by the professors.