| CODE | DGA5150 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Artistic Process: Documentation and Communication | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Digital Arts | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Digital documentation has become a transformative force in contemporary visual arts practice, fundamentally reshaping how artists preserve and share their work. What was once captured through physical portfolios now exists as dynamic digital archives that showcase not just finished pieces, but the entire artistic journey. Through this study-unit, students master professional photography techniques for artwork documentation, including lighting setup, color accuracy, and high-resolution capture methods. They develop advanced video documentation skills covering camera movement, editing, and sound recording - essential for capturing performance and time-based works. Web development and digital archiving skills form another crucial component, teaching students to create professional online portfolios, manage metadata, and implement digital preservation strategies. Students learn to use industry-standard software for image processing, video editing, and web content management, while also gaining expertise in file management, backup systems, and digital archive organization. Social media strategy and content creation skills are covered to help artists build and maintain their online presence effectively. Most importantly, students develop a critical understanding of how documentation itself can become an integral part of artistic practice, learning to make informed choices about when and how to document their work for maximum impact and longevity. Study-Unit Aims: - Develop advanced technical and conceptual skills in digital documentation of visual art practice; - Foster critical understanding of documentation as both an archival tool and a potential creative medium; - Enable students to create professional-quality digital archives that effectively communicate their artistic practice; - Build expertise in industry-standard digital tools and platforms for artwork documentation; - Enhance students' ability to make informed choices about documentation methods appropriate to different artistic forms; - Develop professional strategies for maintaining and presenting digital archives; - Cultivate understanding of digital preservation principles and their application to artistic practice; - Prepare students to effectively engage with contemporary digital platforms for artistic dissemination. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Critically evaluate the role of digital documentation in contemporary visual arts practice; - Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of digital preservation standards and archival best practices; - Analyze the relationship between documentation strategies and different forms of artistic practice; - Interpret and assess current trends in digital documentation methodologies; - Understand the theoretical implications of documenting ephemeral and time-based artworks; - Recognize the impact of digital documentation on artistic dissemination and reception. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Produce professional-quality photographic documentation of artworks using advanced lighting and camera techniques; - Create effective video documentation of time-based works and installations; - Develop and maintain comprehensive digital archives using appropriate file management systems; - Design and implement professional online portfolios and web-based presentations; - Apply appropriate preservation strategies for different types of digital documentation; - Utilize industry-standard software for image processing and video editing; - Execute effective social media strategies for artistic promotion and engagement; - Implement metadata standards and archival best practices in digital documentation. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Foster, H., (2004). An Archival Impulse, October 110, Fall 2004, 3-22. (available on Hydi) - Mannay, D., Pauwels, L. (2020). The SAGE handbook of visual research methods. SAGE. (available on Hydi) - Reid, J., Bammer, G., (2015). Visual Fine Art: Documenting change, influencing change and subjected to change. Australian National University Press, p. 273. (available on Hydi) - Van de Vall, R., van Saaze, V. (eds)., (2024). Conservation of Contemporary Art: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice. Springer. Supplementary Readings: - Fortnum, R., Smith, C. (2007). The Problem of Documenting Fine Art Practices and Processes. Journal of visual art practice, 2007-01, Vol.6 (3), p.167-174. (available on Hydi) - Cobb, p., Hogan, F. (2018) The Profitable Artist: A Handbook for All Artists in the Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts. Allworth. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Vince Briffa Matthew Galea |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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