Contemporary artistic expression shows a deepened involvement with studies of theory and history, while at the same time contemporary theory and history studies are becoming more deeply involved with the actual creation of art. And in practice, these art-related activities are transcending the conventional boundaries of art in an effort to create a meaningful connection to society and its realities. Recognizing this present state of the contemporary art world, Art Theory and Practice creates a new curriculum which enables students to move freely between the traditionally separate disciplines of research and art creation in order to create a learning environment that places particular value on the involvement of art and the actual society we live in.

This new major will offer students a variety of new courses that are up to date with contemporary realities, including “Art Practice” courses where students will learn a variety of creative methods from directors and artists active on the front line of today’s art world, “Artistic Representation Theory” courses aimed at providing a new understanding of art through studies of contemporary thought and theory, and “Artistic Representation ID Seminars” that take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of contemporary culture. In addition, students will be offered a variety of workshop type courses teaching practical knowledge and skills, such as the planning and managing of exhibitions and editing of catalogs and magazines. Students in this major can also cross departmental lines within the university to develop their skills in creative disciplines like painting and sculpture through courses in the Faculty of Fine Arts. Also, for their graduation projects, students can chose to create works or to write theses on their subjects of interest.

This is a major for people who want to learn about contemporary art, for people who want to create contemporary art and for people who want to create paintings or sculpture with contemporary sensitivities and intellect. It is also a major for people who want to study art theory and art history from a standpoint based in the actual realities of today’s world, and for people who want to grasp the meaning of art within the pressing realities of contemporary society. The new Artistic Representation major will be a work in progress, an open learning environment of possibilities for people with all of these interests and ambitions.