Faculty of Creative Arts

Visual Arts

UAC Code: 754605

This major is based on studio practice and related theory and history studies. The studio processes cover textiles, painting and sculpture - with support studies in curatorial practice, photography, video, printmaking, installation and digital image making. Student work is shown throughout the year in one of the gallery spaces in the Faculty.

In first year, studio subjects introduce students to a range of media and processes. Studio skills are taught, and a critical approach to their use is fostered in weekly seminars which explore the histories of each art and craft discipline. In second year, studio subjects build on these basic techniques and skills. Increased emphasis is placed on the students' ability to achieve independence in ideas, technical skills and work practices. Students are encouraged to contextualise their artwork in contemporary practice by developing research processes, attending exhibitions and participating in the wider artistic community. In third year studio subjects, students are expected to explore and develop personal themes and ideas to a greater depth. Professional practice as a visual artist is introduced. This includes skills in visual presentation appropriate to the medium, gallery practice and compiling a professional portfolio. The focus is on the completion of a body of work for exhibition in the final year graduating exhibition.

In first year students are given a foundation in Introduction to Theories of Visual Culture and Perspectives on Modernism, as a background to their second year of study in Early Visual Arts and Design in Australia, and The Artist in Contemporary Culture. By third year, the focus turns to Australian Indigenous Art and Visual Culture, and Representation and Space in the Post Colonial World.

An end of year exhibition of final session work is held in one or more of the faculty galleries.

Specific Entry Requirements

Applicants are asked to submit a set of four photographs (maximum) of their most recent artworks. If selected for an interview, applicants must bring a portfolio of their work. Original work is required, maximum three works up to A3 size.

Major Study Program

Subjects

Session

Credit Points

100-Level

     

VISA101

Visual Investigations A

Autumn

6

VISA102

Visual Investigations B

Spring

6

VISA103

Introduction to Visual Arts Studio A

Autumn

6

VISA104

Introduction to Visual Arts Studio B

Spring

6

Plus 12 credit points of Theory

   

VISA121

Introduction to Theories of Visual Culture

Autumn

6

VISA122

Perspectives on Modernism

Autumn

6

200-Level

     

VISA201

Visual Investigations C

Autumn

6

VISA202

Visual Investigations D

Spring

6

VISA203

Visual Arts Studio C

Autumn

6

VISA204

Visual Arts Studio D

Spring

6

Plus 12 credit points of Theory

   

VISA221

Ideas in practice: Visual Arts and Design in Australia

Autumn

6

VISA222

The Artist in Contemporary Culture

Spring

6

300-Level

     

VISA301

Visual Investigations E

Autumn

6

VISA302

Visual Investigations F

Spring

6

VISA303

Advanced Visual Arts Studio E

Autumn

6

VISA304

Advanced Visual Arts Studio F

Spring

6

Plus 12 credit points of Theory

   

VISA321

Introduction to Indigenous Art and Visual Culture

Autumn

6

VISA322

Representation and Space in the Post Colonial World

Spring

6

Electives

Single degree BCA students must also include 36 credit points of electives in their degree, of which no more than 18 credit points should be at 100- level.