KAB120 Open Studio: Image and Process

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit focuses on experimental approaches to 2D art through hands-on explorations of drawing, painting, printmaking, collage and photography. This unit situates image-making within cultural, historical and theoretical visual arts contexts, examining how images convey ideas and reflect diverse artistic practices and cultural perspectives. In the studio, you'll build conceptual and technical skills by testing methods, challenging assumptions and expanding your visual language. These practical processes are supported by critical thinking, contextual research and reflective writing to help you understand how your own image‑making sits within broader artistic frameworks. Through creating a process folio and an independent 2D artwork series, you will strengthen your ability to generate visual ideas, develop creative processes and refine image-making in ways that reflect your creative voice.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Creatively apply experimental processes, techniques and concepts in the production and presentation of 2D artworks
2. Develop, critically reflect on and communicate experimental and conceptual processes and outcomes in relation to 2D art
3. Critically analyse and synthesise different perspectives on the image in modern and contemporary art
4. Describe and analyse the form, process, content and context of 2D artworks

Content

Learning Approaches

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

lectures that address key themes in relation to image and introduce artists who employ diverse approaches to 2D art media, with discussions of contextual readings and analysis of artworks. In studio-based activities you will explore conceptual and technical approaches to 2D art media such as painting, printmaking, photography, drawing and collage, producing a folio of works. You will develop and present an independent creative work in your chosen approach to image-making in 2D art media.

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 in Assessment 1, which will relate to and inform your major creative work.

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes the development of a process folio utilising a range of approaches to 2D art media, and a written reflection on this process. A written critique will respond to a key conceptual theme in relation to image and analyse artworks by a relevant visual artist.The final artwork series will explore your chosen approach to concept, medium, form and process and be presented along with a written statement appropriate for exhibition display. 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 artworks and writing in development.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Written Critique

You will research and write a comparative analysis of relevant contextual artworks, framing this discussion with specific reference to conceptual themes on Image.

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

Assessment: Process Folio

You will present documentation of exploratory artworks accompanied by a written reflection about the development of your concepts and process.

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

Assessment: Creative Work: Series

You will present a major creative artwork series that explores your chosen approach to image-making in 2D art media and prepare a written statement about this artwork appropriate for exhibition display.

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

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Burton, J. (2005). Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing. Phaidon

Flint, C., & Spector, J. (Eds.). (2026). Vitamin P4 : new perspectives in painting. Phaidon Press.

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

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: ULO3, ULO4, Process Folio, Creative Work: Series
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Written Critique, Process Folio, Creative Work: Series
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO1, Written Critique, Creative Work: Series
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: ULO1, Written Critique, Creative Work: Series
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, Written Critique, Creative Work: Series
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO1, Written Critique, Creative Work: Series
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO3, Process Folio
8. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
   Relates to: ULO3, Process Folio