ARTISTIC PRACTICE 1
Course convened by Ahmad Darkhabani and Milica Tomić
Through this course, students will refine their drawing skills and develop a heightened sensitivity to the complexities of visual reality.
The Ways of Seeing course derives inspiration from John Berger's seminal book of the same name, which was first published in 1972. Originally conceived as a BBC television series, Berger's work was instrumental in altering the prevailing paradigm of visual perception, suggesting that seeing is not merely a passive act but an active engagement with the world. The unconventional design, eschewing the conventional art book format, prioritizes visual engagement, with images taking precedence over text. This format makes it an ideal conceptual foundation for a drawing course, aiming not only to impart technical skills but also to encourage students to re-evaluate their perception and interpretation of their surroundings.
The primary objectives of this course are twofold: firstly, to cultivate students' drawing abilities and, secondly, to encourage a deeper understanding of their visual perception.
Observation is an active process shaped by context, relationships, and a unique personal perspective. An object does not exist in isolation; its meaning shifts depending on how it is framed, positioned, or understood in relation to its environment. This course aims to improve students' visual perception and develop their creative and conceptual thinking, understanding that perception is a fluid and interpretive act rather than a fixed, objective reality.
A fundamental element of the course will be a re-examination of drawing as a conceptual and creative process. As we observe objects, we will explore the relationships between surfaces, spaces, and forms. Drawing becomes a means of mapping these interactions rather than solely tracing contours. By moving away from conventional line-based representation toward an approach that emphasizes spatial relationships and form dynamics, students will develop a more nuanced and sophisticated visual language.
Image: Ways of Seeing, ep. 1, John Berger, film still, 1972.