KAB110 Open Studio: Art and 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 code: | KAB110 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal
| Unit code: | KAB110 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Coordinator: | Courtney Pedersen | cb.pedersen@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit provides the foundations of the Open Studio, introducing experimental art practice through the creative methods and key concepts of modern and contemporary art. Creative experimentation is positioned within the cultural, historical and theoretical contexts that shape artistic practice today. In the studio, you will explore a range of conceptual and material approaches to process-driven art and develop strategies for generating, testing and refining creative ideas. This studio‑based investigation is integrated with contextual research, reflective thinking and structured discussion to deepen your understanding of how artists engage with ideas, materials and methods. You will produce a folio of experimental artworks and establish a dynamic foundation for your ongoing creative practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Relate contemporary, modern & avant-garde artworks, processes and theories to your experimental studio art practice
- Develop iterative studio-based experimentation and collaboration to produce and present artworks
- 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 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 peer critiques and discussions. 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. In assessment, you will engage with generative AI tools in ways relevant to the critical and ethical expectations in the field of Visual Arts. Formative assessment involves regular feedback on experimental artworks in development.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Art Manifesto
You will research, write and create a personal Manifesto on Art, then orally present this in poster form, for peer review.
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.
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.
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
Readings, 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
Recommended text(s)
Hoffmann, J. (2012). The studio. Whitechapel Gallery.
Moffitt, E. (2024). Vitamin Txt : Words in Contemporary Art. Phaidon Press Limited.
Morrill, R., Etgar, Y. (2023). Vitamin C+ : Collage in Contemporary Art. Phaidon Press Limited.
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 for some viewers. 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
- 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, Art Manifesto, Studio and Research Journal - Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Art Manifesto, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio - 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 - 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 - Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
Relates to: ULO3, Artworks Folio - Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
Relates to: ULO3, Artworks Folio - Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
Relates to: ULO2, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio - Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
Relates to: ULO2, Studio and Research Journal, Artworks Folio