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Free University of Bozen-Bolzano

Project Warm-up ART

Semester 1 · 97116 · Bachelor in Design and Art - Major in Art · 12CP · EN


The module introduces the practices, languages and forms of expression of contemporary art as well as the different theories of 20th century art, with the aim of enabling students’ first experiences in visual, performative and spatial production.

Lecturers: Julia Frank, Matilde Cassani, Gerhard Glüher

Teaching Hours: 90+30
Lab Hours: 0
Mandatory Attendance: not compulsory but recommended

Course Topics
This course offers an in-depth introduction to contemporary artistic practice, equipping students with the conceptual, practical, and collaborative tools necessary to realise individual and group-based art projects. The curriculum focuses on artistic methods and critical strategies that have shaped visual culture from the 20th century to the present day. Emphasising interdisciplinary inquiry, the course introduces a variety of media and conceptual approaches while guiding students through the full arc of artistic development—from initial idea and research through to production and presentation.

Teaching format
Lectures and seminars Hands-on practical workshops (e.g., video, design tools) Group and individual projects Reading-based theory discussions Museum and exhibition visits Peer reviews and critique sessions Dialogues with academic staff, visiting artists, and curators

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding - have acquired their own project methodology in the field of visual arts. This methodology includes the ability to oversee all phases of design, from the generation of ideas to the realisation of the finished project. Through the integrated teaching of project subjects and subjects of a technical, scientific and theoretical nature, graduates will be able to simultaneously address all these aspects and consider them as synonymous with the development of a project that is successful on a formal, technical, scientific and cultural level. - have acquired the ability to grasp and analyse contemporary cultural and social phenomena that characterise art. Disciplinary competence Knowledge and understanding - have acquired their own project methodology in the field of product visual arts, from the phase of planning to the phase of realisation of the project. - have acquired the basic technical, scientific and theoretical knowledge necessary to realise a project in the field of visual arts. - have acquired the basic knowledge necessary for further Master's studies in all components of project culture as well as in technical, scientific and theoretical subjects Applying knowledge and understanding - plan, develop and realise a project in the field of visual arts. - Be able to finalize the creation of an accomplished project in the field of visual art, thanks to the basic knowledge acquired in the technical, scientific and theoretical fields. - make use of the skills acquired during the course of study in the event of continuing studies in a Master's degree programme in the field of art and to develop them further. Transversal competence and soft skills Making judgements - Be able to make independent judgements for the purpose of developing their own design skills and in relation to all those decisions (technical, scientific and theoretical) that are necessary to bring a project to completion. - Be able to make independent judgements, both in the critical evaluation of their own work and in their ability to use the right interpretative tools in those contexts in which they will work professionally in the art field and/or continue their studies, also considering ethical and social aspects. Communication skills - present an independently realised project in the field of art in the form of an installation, orally as well as in writing in a professional manner. - to professionally communicate and substantiate their own decisions and justify them from a formal, technical and scientific point of view. Learning skills - have learned a design methodology at a professional level - in the sense of being able to identify, develop and realise solutions to complex design problems by applying the acquired knowledge in the technical, scientific and theoretical fields - in order to start a professional activity and/or continue their studies with a master's degree programme. - have developed a creative attitude and learned how to enhance it and develop it according to their own inclinations. - have acquired basic knowledge in theoretical, technical and scientific subjects as well as a study methodology suitable for continuing studies with a Master's degree programme.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
none

Assessment
The students should conceive, critique and develop their projects as an answer to a specific assignment set by a lecturer. The projects should be presented as a proposal or as a finalized artwork. The final exam will be an interview with the students. We will discuss the works created during the semester, the overall participation and the artwork made for the final show. Exercises throughout the semester help prepare students for the projects and should be completed to receive full credit. Students who enrol with gaps in their basic education (identified during the selection procedure) are assigned Additional Educational Requirements (Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi). The OFA will be met by passing an oral exam, which consists of presenting 3 podcasts/videos, chosen from a list sent by the faculty secretariat to all students who have been assigned OFAs, together with the exam content and date.

Evaluation criteria
The final assessment is based on the content of all the exercises according to the following criteria: - student’s project proposals should be accompanied with visualizations, drafts and descriptions; delivered in time and fulfil criteria of clarity, relevance, and structured in a consistent and cohesive fashion as an integrated whole - The student’s continued effort, and the quality of projects throughout the semester - Energetic and insightful participation in class activities and discussions through comments, questions and active listening - A conversation between concept, form, and technique, i.e. the aesthetic decisions, is evident - The project’s concept and execution demonstrates an innovative approach to the assignment - The timely presentation of one’s own work.

Required readings

Will be published on teams



Supplementary readings

Will be published on teams



Further information
Will be published on teams


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Sustainable Development Goals
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals.

1 3 4 6

Modules

Semester 1 · 97116A · Bachelor in Design and Art - Major in Art · 6CP · EN

Module A — WUP ART - Praxis

The course introduces students to contemporary art practice preparing them to undertake individual and collaborative projects and provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the use of the medium and the intellectual development and understanding of art, from initial concept to completion.

Lecturers: Julia Frank, Matilde Cassani

Teaching Hours: 90
Lab Hours: 0

Course Topics
Students will explore key terminology, critical theory, and art historical references relevant to contemporary practice, fostering a nuanced understanding of the diverse modes of cultural production that inform and contextualise artistic work today. Through the analysis of seminal works, assigned projects, and contemporary case studies, students will critically examine how conceptual intentions are translated into form, material, and context. The course encourages students to engage meaningfully with the materiality of their chosen media, and to articulate the relationship between form, content, and meaning. This process supports the development of a personal artistic language while situating students within broader discourses of contemporary art and visual culture. A central aim is to support students in identifying and reflecting upon emerging canons of artistic relevance and quality within today’s pluralistic art world. Active engagement with academic staff, visiting artists, curators, and peers will foster a dynamic learning environment characterised by dialogue, experimentation, and reflective practice. Students will be encouraged to think critically about their role as artists within society, and to understand artistic practice as a form of cultural inquiry and public discourse. Matilde Cassani, will focus on spatial practices giving fundamental technical and aesthetic parameters of exhibiting as an artistic practice. Students will gain hands-on experience in the use of models, drawings and photography for both documentation and the development of an installation.

Teaching format
Lectures and seminars Hands-on practical workshops (e.g., video, design tools) Group and individual projects Reading-based theory discussions Museum and exhibition visits Peer reviews and critique sessions Dialogues with academic staff, visiting artists, and curators

Required readings

via Teams



Supplementary readings

via Teams



Semester 1 · 97116B · Bachelor in Design and Art - Major in Art · 6CP · EN

Module B — WUP ART - Theory

The course is an introduction to the different art theories of the 20th century and the present.

Lecturers: Gerhard Glüher

Teaching Hours: 30
Lab Hours: 0

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