KAB370 Contemporary Art: Critical Practices

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This advanced unit is focused on independent practice and critical engagement with current theoretical and philosophical contexts in contemporary art. Creative and critical practices in contemporary art are interwoven, combining content, form and process with deep understandings of historical and emergent cultural contexts. In this unit, professional-ready practices are developed through independent and adaptable learning frameworks and praxical approaches that foster formal experimentation and conceptual innovation. In-depth research and analysis of relevant topics, issues and debates in the expanded field of contemporary art and culture, frame the substantial development of your chosen independent practice. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Critically engage with and debate issues in contemporary art and its cultural influence
2. Present independent understanding of contemporary art informed by in-depth research
3. Expertly demonstrate advanced knowledge and application of techniques, concepts and critical contexts of contemporary art
4. Demonstrate ethical judgement and professionalism in your writing, research and art practice

Content

Learning Approaches

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

lectures will provide theoretical, cultural and contextual frameworks for contemporary art, and focus on critical discussion and analysis of key texts, artworks and creative practices. In studio-based activities, you will develop creative and critical works in your chosen form, as devised in your negotiated major assessment, and benefit from feedback on works in progress through individual and group critiques. This lecture‑studio model supports capstone‑level independence, critical confidence, and the professional articulation of contemporary art practice.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will gain progressive feedback in this unit by participating in regular reviews and critiques with academics and peers, discussing writing and artworks in development. You will also receive written feedback on your Assessment 2: Literature/Contextual Review, which will directly relate to and inform your final assessment.

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes critical contributions to peer critiques, and the research and writing of a literature/ contextual review relevant to your chosen area of practice. The major assessment item for this unit involves the production of a portfolio of creative and critical work (artworks and/or critical texts). The final assessment is devised in consultation with your academic supervisor, allowing you to tailor outcomes to your capstone goals, research interests, and professional pathways. 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 progressive feedback on major works in development.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Critical Engagement

You will present individual and peer discussion points addressing selected topics in class, including your own creative artwork and the artworks of others, contributing consistently and productively to group critiques.

Assessment: Written Literature/ Contextual Review

You will research and write a literature/ contextual review that situates your chosen area of practice within relevant theoretical and contemporary frameworks. The review engages key authors, texts, artworks, and practices and provides a critical foundation for your final negotiated portfolio.

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

Assessment: Negotiated Portfolio

In negotiation with your academic supervisor, you will devise, develop and present a portfolio of creative and/or critical work aligned with your independent research and practice goals. Formats include a documented folio of artworks with a researched artist rationale, a critical essay or a hybrid of creative/critical outcomes. 

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)

Foster, H., Krauss, R. E., Bois, Y.-A., Buchloh, B. H. D., & Joselit, D. (2016). Art since 1900 : modernism, antimodernism, postmodernism (Third edition.). Thames & Hudson.

Godfrey, T. (2024). The Story of Contemporary Art. Thames & Hudson.

Stiles, K. & Selz P. (2012). Theories and Documents of Contemporary Art: A Sourcebook of Artists' Writings. Wiley.

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: ULO1, Critical Engagement
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO3, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO3, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
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: ULO3, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO2, Critical Engagement, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO4, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO1, Critical Engagement
8. Work productively as a leader and collaborator in disciplinary and interdisciplinary practices.
   Relates to: ULO4, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
9. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Critical Engagement, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
10. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO4, Critical Engagement, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio
11. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO4, Written Literature/ Contextual Review, Negotiated Portfolio