UNLEARNING/ UNDOING ART

As an Art practitioner it is vital for personal development to unlearn, coming to my practice armed with prior knowledge and experience of what art is or should be. Studying 20^th Century art has informed the learning and teaching process within Critical art and design studies as well as Contemporary work by artists such as Alison Watt and Alison Dunlop. Looking back at the Dutch masters of the 16^th Century has provided research information and style and methods to explore. Therefore embedded in memory are images created by these artists which have become a source of inspiration at their skill and mastery within a specific area. Nostalgic memories have been informed, perhaps etched in the mind. So to unlearn would mean to abandon a Romantic notion and forget works so beautiful, good and true. Therefore one must be prepared to unlearn, not have expectations. Continue reading Art as Unlearning →

The technique of collage is widely used cross curricular but is largely associated within Art and Design. Garoian and Gaudelius (p.90, 2008) appear to criticise the use of collage within the classroom, describing it as being devoid of critical choices or concept. My experience of the act of collage is that it is a vehicle which enables pupils to demonstrate skill and ability and great mastery while creating images which mirror the work of other artists, or real individuality and skill in bringing together images and materials which work together successfully, incorporating popular media. Continue reading Curriculum and Pedagogy as Collage Narrative →