Artist-Based Investigation and Production
This semester-long project requires each student to identify a single contemporary or historical artist to serve as a sustained point of investigation and critical reference. The selected artist will function as a framework for inquiry rather than a source of visual imitation. Superficial resemblance or stylistic mimicry alone is insufficient.
The chosen artist may inform your work through conceptual approach, material use, technical methods, process, systems, strategies, or modes of engagement, or any meaningful combination of these. Your task is to understand how and why the artist’s work operates, not simply what it looks like.
Research and Analysis Requirements
Students will conduct focused research on their selected artist, addressing:
Core conceptual themes, questions, or problems in the artist’s work
Recurring strategies, structures, or methodologies
The relationship between concept, material, process, and form
How meaning is generated through decisions, constraints, or systems
Research will be compiled into a working reference set that includes images, short texts, notes, and citations. This material should be used actively throughout the semester to inform decision-making, not treated as a one-time assignment.
Production Requirements
Each student will produce at least two substantial sculptural works over the course of the semester. These works should demonstrate:
A clear relationship to the investigated artist at the level of strategy or thinking
Independent conceptual development rather than replication
Iteration, risk-taking, and material problem-solving
The works do not need to resemble the source artist visually. In fact, strong projects often diverge significantly in appearance while remaining aligned conceptually or methodologically.
Discussion Leadership
Later in the semester, each student will lead a structured class discussion focused on their selected artist. This presentation should:
Clearly articulate why the artist was chosen
Identify the key conceptual and material strategies at play
Explain how those strategies inform or challenge the student’s own work
Invite critical discussion rather than simply report information
Evaluation Emphasis
Assessment will prioritize:
Depth and rigor of research
Clarity of conceptual alignment
Evidence of thoughtful translation rather than imitation
Quality and ambition of sculptural outcomes
Ability to critically articulate relationships between reference and production
This project is intended to strengthen your ability to situate your work within a broader artistic conversation while developing an independent, conceptually grounded sculptural practice.
If you need a primer for srtists to choose from, see the list of artists here
Timeline:
Week 1: project introduction
Week 2: Submit 3 candidates for your artist choice, and discussion of what you are getting strarted on.
Week 3: Begin studio work
Week 4: Studio work
Weeks 5 and 6: student-led discussions
Week 7-15: Production and discussion.