Art 7920 Fall 2020
5207 Boylan
Professor: Jennifer McCoy, Art
Thurs: 2:15-5:35pm
Contact Information:
Jennifer McCoy: JMcCoy@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Office Hours:
Jenn: by appointment or before class
Course Objectives:
• to examine new communicative creative strategies vis a vis other artists
• to articulate these strategies through the production of compelling works of art
• to examine new creative possibilities for social engagement vis a vis the viewer and other communities of participants
• to read and articulate artists’ positions on collaboration through artists’ writings
• to develop an understanding of the history of collaborations and collectives
Attendance Policy
The success of this seminar depends upon responsible attendance to the class and full participation with collaborative teams. Prompt attendance for all class periods is essential.
LibGuides Account
You will need to get an account on the LibGuides platform to use this website. If you are having problems please contact faculty or Emily Fairey at EFairey@brooklyn.cuny.edu
This class endeavors to create, support, and maintain a space that is anti-racist, anti-oppressive, consent-forward, and affirming. We recognize that no space of learning or creation is inherently safe, comfortable, or trauma-free, and that concerns will present themselves. As an ongoing request, we would like any ‘crunchy’ moments that any one of us notices be acknowledged so we can work together to make our space feel as welcoming as possible. We will dedicate time to this in class, but please also know that faculty are available to discuss issues that arise (even if they don’t seem like a big deal at the time). Difficult moments have a habit of growing into real issues, and we’d like to address these moments as they happen so that no one is left to manage alone.
We also acknowledge that this creative environment is intentionally uncomfortable and there is a fine line between tension and discomfort that is subjectively different for each person. While we want to be creatively challenged together and taking risks, we do not want anyone to be living in dangerous territory. It is important to share or step out of an activity the moment anything feels tenuous, and please know that you will have support in taking steps for your own needs. Please also know that faculty may ask how things can be shifted to accommodate any needs, but you do not need to defend or explain yourself. Additionally, while we intend to hold these boundaries together in our space, it is important for us all to carry them over into smaller groups and other classes and collaborations with one another during our time together - including time spent outside this program in casual conversation with one another as these interactions impact our energy together as well.
Course Requirements:
• complete all projects
• read assigned texts
• complete one presentation on an assigned text during the semester
• participate in classroom discussion and critiques in person and via discussion board
• attend class regularly
Texts and other Resources
Required: Gregory Sholette, The Art of Activism and the Activism of Art (New Directions in Contemporary Art) 2021 and
Tom Finkelpearl, " What We Made: Conversations on Art and Social Cooperation," 2013.
(these are linked as pdfs but I highly recommend purchasing the texts)
Recommended Texts (some of which will be excerpted in the reader/handouts)
