Marking Memory

Prerequisites: All OF THE FOLLOWING: ARTDES 200: Any 200 Level Studio.

Description: From time immortal we have chosen to commemorate the lives, histories, events, triumphs and tragedies that are significant to us. Whether through public memorial or private ritual, remembrances express our individual and collective desire to ​“mark” the past as well as project into the future those ideals that we find laudable. This ​“marking” is made visible in many forms: statues, plaques, altars, grave markers, gardens, flags, quilts, stamps, photo albums, etc. ​“Marking Memory” is a studio-based course that explores a variety of visual responses, representative texts, and influential artists that investigate the role that objects and images play in fashioning memory and meaning in everyday life. Students investigate their capacity to act as surrogates, to communicate ideas, to be ​“read” as histories, and to reflect our deepest influences of love, loss, pride and celebration. Directed studio projects focus on the imaginative use of diverse materials and methods to explore these themes. Slide lectures, selected readings and research assignments supplement studio activity.

Frequency: This course is typically offered in the fall term of even-numbered years, though scheduling may vary according to future term circumstances.