Today's Class- We looked at a few late arriving projects, and discussed the upcoming Synthesis project, but most of the time was devoted to what will be our next project, the idea of using art to change behavior.
How to make this up- I introduced the idea of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols and how their meanings are interpreted. Although these signs can be found in fine art, I chose to demonstrate using examples from the world of advertising, a mix of World War II era government propaganda and 1960's magazine advertisements, as in the above examples. I had the class bring examples of contemporary magazine advertisements and we took them apart the same way, looking at some of the associations carried by names, text, and images.
This gave us the frame of reference for the next graded project, a poster designed to change a person's behavior. Use your 18" x 24" paper and acrylic paints to provide full color. The purpose of the poster will be to try to convince someone to either start doing something that they are not, or to stop doing something that they are doing. The behavior can be something serious or trivial. You may use text to help carry your message, but this is an art class, so the visual image should be the primary means of communicating the idea. If you use text, size, shape, style, and location of the lettering should be specifically considered. In grading I'll be looking for all the formal issues (composition, value, color) and how you use visuals to try to to convince us of your point of view.
This graded behavior changing project is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2013.
Homework- The Synthesis Project, combining aspects of two or more artworks from the recent student show, is due at the beginning of class on April 8, 2013.
This new Behavior Changing Project is due at the beginning of class on April 22, 2013.
Any back projects that you owe should be completed and turned in as soon as possible to get partial credit.
For next class 4/8/13- We will critique the Synthesis project and further discuss the behavior project. We will also probably complete the course evaluation and maybe visit the grad student show in the gallery downstairs. Bring your completed project, sketchbook, pencil and eraser.
