A Unique Approach to Installation Art

The School of Art's Installation Art Class runs each quarter and students confront a variety of public and gallery spaces with large-scale projects. Students from diverse backgrounds come together in this interdisciplinary studio where they apply their artistic concerns to site specific or temporary artistic experiences. In 2003, the installation art course became a regular class offering after having been offered periodically as a "special studio". This quarter, the course is being team taught by Professors Charles Woodman, electronic artist, and Matt Lynch, sculptor. The interdisciplinary nature of the teaching team illustrates the unique approach of the class. Class activities have included a field trip to The Weston Art Gallery and The Contemporary Art Center. The class also traveled to visiting artist Sandy Skoglund's installation at Cincinnati Country Day School on February 13.

Students are nearing completion of several exciting projects due to be presented to the class around midterm of winter quarter. Among the requirements of the class are finding their own place to display their work, informing their work with information from a non-art field, and collaboration. Students are developing their projects through a series of presentations to the class. These presentations have included proposals for a treasure hunt through Over the Rhine, community crocheting activities and gallery experiences that simulate brain activity and celestial phenomena. A group of students performed an a cappella composition in preparation for a music performance scheduled for Feb. 18. Students are encouraged to reach outside traditional art forms and design experiences with a wide array of activities. Students are responding to this opportunity by combining traditional media like painting, sculpture and media art with activities like punk rock music and baking.