VCA ART 2020

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) involves completion of a substantial piece of original research, demonstrating ability to communicate research findings effectively in professional arenas and international contexts. In most cases the thesis includes a body of exceptional artwork and a substantial written paper. It is a rigorous and sustained piece of work showing a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and admitting the holder to the community of scholars in the discipline.

The Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art) is a two-year masters program that extends an artist’s potential for academic research. This studio-based program facilitates and develops mastery in the chosen field of practice and contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary artistic practice, cultural theory and discourse more broadly. The practice-led MFA culminates in a substantial piece of original research that generally comprises a body of creative work and a written dissertation.

The Master of Contemporary Art program serves as a bridge between undergraduate study and independent art practice. This coursework program prepares students to develop a professional art practice, situate their practice within contemporary art contexts, and gain important networks in a supportive community of staff, artists and industry professionals. The course encourages experimentation, speculation and engaged dialogue with staff and students in an independent studio setting. In the second year, students identify an area of research to investigate and undertake a year-long studio project. Throughout the degree, students undertake a range of professional opportunities including graduate intensives, group and solo exhibitions, and local and international travel.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Degree with Honours) is an esteemed program designed to support students wishing to develop research skills and deepen understandings of contemporary artistic practice and related theoretical discourse. With an emphasis on independent artistic research and devising and managing a major creative project, this dynamic program prepares candidates for advanced critical and creative thinking and problem solving. Honours is located in The Stables, a world class teaching and learning facility at the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct and with strong connections to a diverse range of professional partnerships and networks. Academic staff within the program are leading artists, theorists and curators in their field.

The Graduate Certificate in Visual Art is a part-time course that facilitates practical and theoretical frameworks for studio workshops, complimented by studies in art history and theory. As it is graduate level, GCVA students can choose to work in painting, drawing, digital technologies, printmaking, sculpture, installation, performance or photography, and/or a combination of the above. Throughout the year formal group critiques and individual discussions encourage critical reflection on the works made. The Graduate Certificate in Visual Art is designed for students who have completed a degree and wish to further develop their skills in the visual arts.

This program is taught in an immersive, studio and workshop-based environment. It enhances the development of technical and conceptual skills across a wide range of methodologies and provides you with the skills to pursue the practice of a professional working artist. It also allows you to critically engage in the debates of contemporary visual art.

Within the specialisation you will develop your imaging skills by practicing a range of drawing and printmaking methodologies. You will employ a variety of experimental strategies using new and traditional technologies to develop innovative visual solutions. You will also develop an in-depth understanding and knowledge of drawing and printmaking practice within historical, contemporary and theoretical contexts and gain artistic independence to develop a professional attitude toward studio practice.

Painting is taught in an immersive, studio-based environment. Reflecting the diversity of contemporary art practice, it supports independent and conceptually innovative practice. By developing technical and conceptual methodologies students gain a sound knowledge of traditional and contemporary painting skills, techniques and concepts.

With the practice of critical analysis, students become more confident in the expression of their own visual ideas and observations. Students learn about the historical, contemporary and theoretical context in which they work.

These days anyone and everyone takes photos. But what is a photo and what is the photographic? How do you ‘think’ through the practice of photography to make artworks? How do you apply photographic thinking to develop artworks even without a camera?

Photography at the VCA will challenge you to consider these questions and more as you undergo an immersive experience in contemporary photographic practice and theory. Photography’s history will meet yours as you pursue your own questions and attitudes through making. In a studio-based learning environment we encourage independent exploration using various techniques including black and white darkroom photography, colour darkroom printing, digital imaging and the projected image in installation. With these and many other methods of making you will discover what a photograph can become. And the kind of artist you have become.

Sculpture is where we test material, any material, your material.
 
Material comes from our body; our place and our time, from a history, from a cultural memory, or the all to present future. Material suggests, reflects, cascades, shatters, lingers, transforms, protrudes and disappears. It pulls you in and pushes you away. We circle material, develop new techniques, strategies and languages that challenge established knowledge. Material is supported, physically politically and intellectually by space, place and context, but let’s not go there right now, let’s stay with material and the impossibility of pinning it down.