art today

Alex Monteith, Composition with Royal New Zealand Air Force Red Checkers, for five channel video installation 2009, five channel video and sound installation 2009, five channel video and sound installation. Photography by Sarah Munro

Art Today is a year-long course about contemporary art. This course acts as an introduction to the inspiring and provocative world of art today-from the unique perspective of Auckland, New Zealand, in the 21st Century. Learn to negotiate the complex system of politics, practice, philosophy, economics and jargon which contemporary art offers the viewer and in doing so become an active participant in your arts community.

Lectures, discussions, and regular trips to art galleries and auction houses introduce students to current art works and exhibitions. While this is not an ‘Art History' course, the major art movements of the 20th Century are covered. Links are made to the historical and international sources of the art works being made in New Zealand today, so that students can consider them within a wider context.

Students are encouraged to participate in lively class discussions. Through the course many students gain the confidence to begin to collect contemporary art works or add to their existing collections. Students who travel find the art awareness they have developed greatly enhances their overseas experience.

This course has proved so popular that most students move on to a second year to consolidate their understanding of the art ‘scene'. Students go on to an Art Discussion Group that meets fortnightly to talk about what's happening in the art world, share experiences and meet artists.

Note to students: Term 1 will begin on Thursday 11th Feb and be an 8 week term. Term 2 will be a 10 week term. Term 3 and 4 will be 9 week terms.

Yuk King Tan and Neil Pardington, Loudspeaker #5, 2005, LED print Courtesy of Sue Crockford Gallery, Auckland

4 Term Course
Term 2, 10 classes starting 22nd April
Thursdays 10.00 - 12.00pm
$880(including $100 non-refundable deposit)

The Stage one class covers a range of topics, including major 20th century Art movements from Modernism and Formalism, to contemporary art practice which includes video, performance and installation. The topic of New Zealand art is also well covered, and is set into an international context. Students will learn to recognise the international trends and themes which occur in New Zealand works, as well as those which are distinctly our own.

The course is flexible depending upon current art exhibitions and events in New Zealand and international art centres. Art works seen in exhibitions are set into a stylistic and historical context in class. Students gain confidence as they become familiar with Auckland galleries and art places. There are no formal requirements - no tests, no assignments. Students do what they can. They are encouraged to consult internet sites and advised about useful magazines and books. Class notes provide a useful resource and record of topics discussed.

Yuk King Tan and Neil Pardington, Loudspeaker #1, 2005, LED print Courtesy of Sue Crockford Gallery, Auckland

4 Term Course
Term 2, 10 classes starting 21st April
Fridays 10.00 - 12.00pm
$880 (including $100 non-refundable deposit)

In the second year the students' background understanding of 20th Century art allows for a more in-depth study of contemporary genres such as photography, video, light-works, land art, sound art etc. Topics are developed from visits made to overseas galleries by the tutor or class members, and from events and exhibitions in Auckland or around New Zealand. Discussions in class become lively and wide-ranging. Students begin to articulate their feelings about art works with more confidence as their understanding develops.
This course is open to both students of stage one as well as those who have some experience in the study of Art History.