Reflection on Exhibition and Art Practice Now

Abstract

Since the 1990s, there is a vivid discourse on “Artistic Research” – an artistic approach, which is characterized by different interconnections to other fields of research. In the seminar, we will read a selection of texts and will – in artist’s studios or at the Graphische Sammlung – discuss with artists how they would define “Artistic Research” and what strategies they use.

Objective

Students gain knowledge of the concept of “Artistic Research” and learn to distinguish it from other artistic strategies. They will get an overview of the latest discourse by reading the most important theories and discussing them together in the seminar. Moreover, they will become acquainted with different approaches and techniques of “Artistic Research” in personal encounters with artists.

Content

For some time now, the term “Artistic Research” is on everyone’s lips. Has it turned into a buzzword for a phenomenon that has – in fact – been in existence for centuries? Or does the term describe a new approach which has come into existence since the 1990s only? While looking back into history, the seminar will deal with the question how artistic research can be defined in the 21st century and how it differs from the notion of the universal artist so common during Renaissance. Students will read and discuss texts (for example from Hans-Jörg Rheinberger, Elke Bippus or Dieter Mersch) and dispute the phenomenon theoretically. Besides, they will engage in conversation with artists, who are doing “Artistic Research”. They will particularly discuss the challenges and chances of artists and scientists, whenever they embark on the context of the other one.

Resources