2016-17 Fall

Light and Art

(HART 1034)



1 Credit | Can be used to fulfill Common Core Requirement (Core Elective: Arts Area)
Teaching Medium: English

Course Description

This course aims at introducing students to modern concepts of light and art, and to lead them to realize a light installation using artificial light sources. Students will learn to experiment with light and shadow, and will explore artistic spatial concepts to engage the audience in their artworks and/or create site- and purpose-specific installations on the UST campus.

The light sources used in this course will be mainly found and ready-made products available in Hong Kong on a budget. The students will be encouraged to work in small groups to be able to complete larger and more complex installations. Upon the completion of the course the students will have learnt to make use of common products and physical phenomena to create an unconventional artistic experience.


  1. Demonstrate and identify knowledge of principal concepts of light in art, and light art practices throughout history
  2. Apply artistic concepts using light as a medium
  3. Create an artwork utilising the effects of light, and considering its intangible potential for spatial transformation and perception
  4. Demonstrate a sustainable work ethic

Part I: Introduction to Contemporary Concepts of Light in Artistic Practice
Week 1-2: Light Art History and Artists
Week 3: Light Painting Workshop

Part II: Exploring Options and Developing Concept
Week 4: Development of Ideas and Concepts for Light Art Projects
Week 5: [Field Trip] Materials & Methodologies for light artworks
Week 6: Characteristics of Places and Sites
Week 7: Final Project Concept Verification

Part III: Artwork Creation and Implementation
Week 8-9: Studio Practice and Artwork Creation
Week 10-12: Exhibition display, installation and End-of-course exhibition
Week 13: Exhibition documentation and evaluation

  1. Butterfield, Jan. The Art of Light and Space. New York, NY: Abberville Press, 1993
  2. Clark, Robin (Ed.). Phenomenal: California Light, Space, Surface. University of California Press; First edition, 2011
  3. Sinnreich, Ursula. James Turrell: Geometry of Light. Ostfildern: Hatje Cantz Publishers, 2009

  1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_art
  2. http://jamesturrell.com/
  3. http://www.olafureliasson.net/
  4. http://projects.jennyholzer.com/
  5. http://www.island6.org/LiuDao_info.html
  6. http://light-building.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/besucher/events/luminale.html
  7. http://www.ilightmarinabay.sg/
  8. http://www.vividsydney.com/
  9. http://www.flickr.com/groups/lightjunkies/

Enrolment Details

Course Registration : 05-05 Oct 2024
Add/Drop : 05-05 Oct 2024


Instructor

Cornelia ERDMANN


Assessment

Attendance and Participation 20%
Individual Research Presentation 20%
Group Concept Presentation of Light Art Project 10%
Light Art Work (in small groups) & Documentation (individual) 50%

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