art today

Yuk King Tan and Neil Pardington, Loudspeaker #3, 2005, LED print Courtesy of Sue Crockford Gallery, Auckland

Tutor: Lois Perry
full year courses

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-from Picasso and Cubism to Matthew Barney's Cremaster. 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 a second year course was developed in 2007, alongside an informal third year 'art discussion group' which meets regularly to continue the conversation and debate.

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

4 Term Course
Term 1, 9 classes starting 12th February
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 so as to incorporate in depth discussion on current arts events as they are happening. During discussions, students often contribute their experiences of exhibitions they have seen.The course aims to instill participants with confidence in the arts. Students become familiar with Auckland galleries and art places, and are advised about useful magazines and art books. Classes are informal but informative, with no formal requirements - no tests, no assignments. In depth notes are provided for each class to enable students to build up a useful resource for the future.

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

4 Term Course
Term 1, 9 classes starting 13th February*
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.

*please note that due to a class date falling on a Public Holiday (April 10th) the last class will be on the 17th April.