KAB110 Open Studio: Experiment


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:KAB110
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Courtney Pedersen | cb.pedersen@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit provides the foundations of the Open Studio, introducing experimental art practice through the creative processes and critical concepts of modern and contemporary art. The ability to iteratively experiment across diverse art media is a crucial skill in the development of a creative practice. This unit explores a range of digital and material approaches to creative experimentation and process art, developing skills in art thinking and collaboration, and introducing key principles such as the art manifesto, the artist journal, and the art studio.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Relate contemporary, modern & avant-garde artworks, processes and theories to your experimental studio art practice
  2. Develop iterative studio-based experimentation and collaboration to produce and present artworks
  3. Reflect on, analyse and communicate experimental, collaborative and conceptual processes in the Open Studio

Content

This unit introduces content in relation to experimental processes and practices in avant-garde, modern and contemporary art. These include approaches to process art such as chance and play, systems and rule-based art, experimentation and collaboration. Key topics include the art manifesto and the art studio, and the ways in which artists work in response to personal and cultural stimuli.

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following: 

lectures that introduce conceptual frameworks for experimental art and approaches to modern and contemporary art; with tutorial-based discussion of contextual readings and analysis of artworks, processes and practices. In studio-based activities, you will explore conceptual, material and technical approaches to experimental art and processes through independent and collaborative activities, culminating in a folio of artworks.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will gain feedback in this unit by participating in regular critiques with academics and peers. You will also receive written feedback on studio processes and research in Assessment 2, which will relate to and inform your final Artworks Folio.

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes the presentation of a personal manifesto on art; and a weekly journal that documents your individual and collaborative experimental works in process; and records relevant contextual artists and research. The final folio of artworks is accompanied by an artist statement that communicates the conceptual and experimental approaches explored in the open studio. Formative assessment involves regular feedback on experimental artworks in development.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Manifesto

You will research and write a Manifesto on Art then orally present this text with an accompanying poster for peer review.

Weight: 20
Length: 200 words/Poster
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 3
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1

Assessment: Studio and Research Journal

Your weekly journal will document experimental processes and artworks in development, and record research about artists/ artworks that are relevant to your studio explorations.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Length: Weekly Journal (PDF)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Artworks Folio

You will present a folio of experimental artworks accompanied by a written artist statement.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Length: Folio (PDF); Artist Statement 300 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages (CIESJ Tier 1 HSE requirement

This unit also requires a Tier 2 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is provided by the technician on site in the theatre, workshop or studio. Some students may be required to complete a Tier 3 CIESJ Health and Safety Induction which is a hands on induction on specific machinery.

A Project Risk Management Plan is also mandatory.

Costs

Student contributions to the production costs of artworks. Cost varies depending on the nature of individual studio practice.

Resources

Texts, references and images as well as technical and digital resources are available through the Canvas site for this unit. Digital, fabrication and printmaking workshops, computer labs, art studios, gallery and exhibition spaces are available on campus.

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.  

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

For CIESJ Tiers 2 and 3 Health and Safety requirements, you will be instructed on safe procedures and the required safety gear for all studio and workshop processes that are demonstrated. Health and Safety files are readily available for all materials and machinery in all studio areas. Technical supervision is provided for workshops and available on a regular basis during the week. Technical supervision is mandatory in 3D workshop and printmaking studios.

A minimum of three students is required for after-hours access to studios.

Risk assessment forms must be completed and submitted before project work starts. You have an obligation to make yourself familiar with and adhere to the Contemporary Art Studio Health and Safety Procedures and Documents provided on Canvas as part of the unit. For further information also refer to the QUT Health and Safety website.

Contemporary Art engages with a wide range of content and contexts and this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matter that could be considered confronting or triggering. This includes, but is not limited to, discussions about and representations of trauma and violence, as well as experiences of mental and physical health. These may be in relation to topics including race, class, gender, politics, and religion. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

CA01 Bachelor of Creative Arts

  1. Cite and discuss a broad and coherent knowledge of historical and contemporary cultural contexts for creative practice, including the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges.
    Relates to: ULO1, Manifesto, Studio and Research Journal
  2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Manifesto, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio
  3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
    Relates to: ULO2, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiency and a knowledge of contemporary digital practices and technologies in one or more disciplines and apply these in creative and critical settings.
    Relates to: ULO2, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio
  5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Artworks Folio
  6. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
    Relates to: ULO3, Artworks Folio
  7. Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
    Relates to: ULO2, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio
  8. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO2, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio