KAB140 Open Studio: Time

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit introduces experimental approaches to 4D media in relation to the open studio and the expanded field of contemporary art. Art practices that creatively explore the interplay between video, sound, performance, installation and digital art invite audiences to critically engage with embodied, interactive, participatory and immersive modes of techno-cultural experience. This unit considers conceptual frameworks and contextual practices in relation to time, the body, duration, and experience. You will engage in a diverse range of practical activities to produce and present independent artworks that investigate time.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe and analyse the form, process, content and context of time-based artworks
2. Explain and interpret critical and cultural approaches to contemporary and historical concepts and practices in time-based art
3. Creatively apply technical skills and theoretical knowledge in the production of time-based contemporary art
4. Communicate effectively in oral, written and visual modes appropriate to contemporary art contexts

Content

Learning Approaches

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

lectures will provide theoretical and contextual frameworks for time—based contemporary art, and tutorials will focus on critical discussion and analysis of key texts, artworks and creative practices. This will be extended into site visits and first-hand experiences in local art galleries and arts organisations with exhibitions, performances, festivals and events. In the studio you will develop creative and critical works and benefit from feedback on works in progress through individual and group critiques.

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 artworks in progress in Assessment 2, which will directly relate to and inform your major creative work.

Assessment

Overview

The summative assessment for this unit includes the presentation of a critical discussion of a relevant artist’s practice in a digital format, and a folio documenting artwork in progress with accompanying artwork statements. This culminates in a major artwork and a written artwork rationale analysing and situating this artwork in relation to the field of time-based art. Formative assessment involves progressive feedback on artworks in development.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Video Essay

You will research, write and record a digital video essay that critically surveys and creatively responds to the practice of a relevant artist.

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

Assessment: Works in Progress Folio

You will submit documentation of works in progress, analysing and explaining the relevant content, form and process in relation to each.

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

Assessment: Creative Work: Time

You will submit documentation of a major artwork accompanied by an artwork rationale that analyses and contextualises the work.

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

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

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, Video Essay, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
2. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of the techniques and concepts underpinning your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Video Essay, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
3. Demonstrate complex problem solving through iterative experimentation and the creative and critical development of ideas and outcomes.
   Relates to: ULO3, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
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, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
5. Communicate independent learning clearly and coherently in diverse modes relevant to your field of creative practice.
   Relates to: ULO4, Video Essay, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
6. Communicate, represent, and promote your work in ways relevant to your creative field.
   Relates to: ULO4, Video Essay, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
7. Discern, critically analyse, and synthesise knowledge in complex creative and critical settings.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Video Essay, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time
8. Formulate and apply an independent perspective through contextual research, reflection, and by acting on the informed critique of others.
   Relates to: ULO2, Video Essay, Creative Work: Time
9. Demonstrate respect for cultural and social differences, sustainability, and work with integrity across all practice and professional settings.
   Relates to: ULO2, Video Essay, Creative Work: Time
10. Operate with initiative, ethical judgement and professionalism, both alone and in groups.
    Relates to: ULO4, Video Essay, Works in Progress Folio, Creative Work: Time