CREA 309: New Art Forms

Spring 2022

M/W 8:00-10:00 AM FOY 101

Instructor: Arnela Mahmutović
Office Hours: M/W 10:00 – 10:30 AM
Contact: amahmutovic@siena.edu

Course Description
In this studio art course, students will be introduced to new art forms such as assemblage
sculpture, sound art, action art, experimental video and installation art. In addition to studying
the history and theory behind new art forms, individuals will produce original pieces in these
new media and present them to the class for discussion. No experience in art or in any of the
technical aspects of these art forms is necessary. The course goal is to increase awareness and
understanding of contemporary art, and to expand one's sense of aesthetics.

Course Objectives
1. Gain an understanding of the range of art making approaches in contemporary art
2. Build an artist book that reflects an understanding of the materials, as well as an exploration
of personal curiosities.
3. Engage in critical dialog and participate in thoughtful discourse.
4. Be able to articulate the content of your own work through writings.
5. Complete the assignments related to class topics.
6. Build a portfolio of work that reflects an understanding of the material, as well as a further
exploration of personal work. Build a website to display this work.

Course Resources
Class Website: https://newartforms.weebly.com/

Canvas
Canvas will be our one-stop location for all course materials, resources, and project
submissions. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with our Canvas page. If you
run into any technical problems during the semester, please contact me at the email
address above immediately.

Required Materials
1. Artist Book (an unlined notebook or sketchbook, at least 5” x 8”)
2. Other materials are variable and will depend on what is needed to support your specific
project or idea.
Attendance
Studio art courses are a collaborative learning environment, as we work side-by-side and
observe our classmates’ progress. Students are permitted two unexcused absences. Each
additional unexcused absence results in a 5-point reduction of a student’s final grade, e.g., at
three absences a final grade of 90 would be reduced to an 85, at four, 80, and so on. A doctor’s
note is required for an absence to be excused. Tardiness and leaving class early also contribute
toward absences: three of either equate to a full absence. If you must miss a class, it is your
responsibility to contact your instructor for all missed assignments.

Class Website
You will make a Weebly website to share your projects. Your homepage will be used to describe
yourself in words and/or images. Individual pages will be made for each assignment. Include
process imagery and written descriptions of your work.

Artist Book
Throughout the course, you will build a written and visual record of this class and your personal
explorations in an artist book. You will work on this book during and outside of class time. You
are encouraged to include “morning papers,” a record of daily ruminations, quotes from class,
sketches of potential projects and drawings. You may use any media. Incorporating cutouts and
collaging is encouraged. You are required to answer all the “artist book questions” for each
project in your artist book. You are required to include notes on at home and in class screenings
in your artist book. Always bring your artist book to class!

Artist Presentation
You will prepare a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation about your assigned artist. Including: the
artist’s background, process, medium(s), and conceptual inquiries. Providing visual examples:
slides, videos, books, etc. Plenty of imagery is encouraged- engage and inspire us! Do not
simply use Wikipedia and Google images.

Projects
You will complete a variety of projects throughout the semester focusing on the following
themes: Site-specific, performance, social practice, sound art and environmental art. Each
assignment will take on the form of a physical art piece or digital proposal. Your work will be
based off of thorough research and planning. If completing a physical work, you may need to
acquire additional materials.

Self-directed Final Project

Your focused research and art project does not have any restraints in terms of material or
subject matter but is required that your artist book provides evidence of the evolution of your
investigation. I encourage you to experiment and test out ideas no matter how silly or insane
they may seem. Process is just as if not more important than product. You classmates and I will
be available to offer suggestions and provide support with problem solving and obstacles that
arise along the way. If you don’t know where to begin, go to the library, go on a hike, write
“morning paper”, get personal, or use your artist book to extricate any and all ideas.
 Grade Values:
All grading will be in a percentage of 100.

A 94-100%
A- 90-93%
Total Grade Distribution: B+ 87-89%
B 84-86%
Projects 40% B- 80-83%
C+ 77-79%
Final Project 30% C 74-76%
C- 70-73%
Artist Book/Class Website 20% D+ 67-69%
D 64-66%
Class Participation 10% D- 61-63%

A = Outstanding work. The student has followed the instructions for the assignment precisely
and clearly met or exceeded the goals of the assignment. The student has demonstrated a high
degree of effort and creativity to maximize the visual quality of their work.

B = Good work. The student has followed the instructions and has satisfactorily met the goals of
the assignment. The student has demonstrated some effort and creativity to make good work,
but there may be some aspects of the work that may benefit from more time or effort.

C = Acceptable work. The student has made an effort to follow instructions and meet the goals
of the assignment, but the work might not be completely finished to the set standard. There may
be a perceivable lack of effort or creativity that hinders the quality of the work.

D-E = Unfinished work. The student has not followed instructions, or has demonstrably failed to
complete the goals of the assignment. The student will be asked to invest more time and effort
into the work.

Office Hours
Office hours provide an opportunity for students to receive focused attention and clarification on
concepts in class, discuss grading, or voice questions and concerns. Feel free to drop in during
regularly scheduled office hours or contact me to make an appointment.

Class Conduct
Siena College is committed to maintaining a community environment that fosters respect for the
dignity and worth of each individual. It is critical that respect encompass diversity and
differences of opinion. Any form of discrimination or harassment (verbal, physical, sexual, etc.)
has no place in our classroom.
Cellphones/Music
Music and cellphone use are not permitted during lectures. If you wish to take notes during
these times, do so with paper and a pen/pencil. Students may listen to their own music during
independent work sessions, however I ask that you leave only one headphone in or listen at a
moderate volume so that you can listen to instruction. Students’ phones double as their music
devices, however, texting, surfing the web, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat etc. are not
allowed in class. Listening to music or podcasts are a privilege and will be taken away if you
cannot give your full attention in class.

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students who commit such acts expose themselves
to punishments as severe as dishonorable dismissal from the College. The following quote is
from the Siena College Catalog: “Academic dishonesty can take different forms, including, but
not limited to: cheating [dishonesty in a test situation], plagiarism [dishonesty in the
presentation of written materials], and computer abuse. In any situation in which a student is
unsure of what constitutes academic dishonesty, it is the student’s responsibility to raise the
question with his or her instructor.” The minimum consequence violating this policy will be to
take a 0 on the assignment in question. Depending on the nature of the offence, more severe
consequences will be applied.

Accommodations Policy
Siena College is deeply committed to ensuring that students with documented disabilities are
provided with the resources and support necessary to effectively address their
individual educational needs. Students with disabilities in need of accommodations pertaining to
courses must first register with the Director/Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
(OSSD) at 518-783-4239. To register with OSSD, a student must complete a data sheet,
release form, and provide current, comprehensive documentation of her/his disability as defined
by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
(ADA). Upon receipt of written notification from the Director (OSSD) of the accommodation/s
that a student needs for a particular course, the faculty member will work in collaboration with
the student (and the OSSD, as needed) to address this request to the fullest extent possible. A
student requesting course accommodations must meet with each course instructor no later than
the first week of class.

Harassment
Siena College is committed to maintaining a community environment that fosters respect for the
dignity and worth of each individual. It is critical that respect encompass diversity and
differences of opinion. Any form of discrimination or harassment (verbal, physical, sexual, etc.)
has no place in my classroom.
Withdrawal and Incomplete Grade Policy
If you are unable to complete the required work for this class, please withdraw before you are
penalized. Under certain circumstances (such as a life-threatening illness, death in the family,
etc.) it is possible to arrange for an incomplete grade. Incomplete grades are given at the
instructor’s discretion. A contract will be established as kept on record in the department office.
Arrangements for an incomplete must be made before the last week of classes.

Pandemic / Emergency Preparedness

You are instructed to bring all texts and a copy of the syllabus/course schedule home with you
in the event of a College Closure. The Academic Calendar will be adjusted upon Reopening; so
be prepared for the possibility of a short mini-semester; rescheduled class / exam period; and
/or rescheduling of the semester, depending on the length of the Closure. Maintain
communications with your instructor and the college.

Netiquette

When you communicate electronically, all you see is a computer/smart phone screen. You don't
have the opportunity to use facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice to communicate your
meaning; words are all you've got. That goes for your correspondent as well. Remember there
is a human on the other end of the virtual interaction – be mindful of both what you say and
what is being said to you.

Please use polite, respectful behavior when posting, emailing and interacting with others online.
Be mindful of how you express your emotions and humor and be sensitive to cultural and ability
differences of your peers. The saying “treat others the way you would like to be treated” rings
true and yes, even online.

Pay attention to the content of your writing. In addition, make sure your notes are clear and
logical. Use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, just as you would for any
communication.
Class Schedule (subject to change)

Date Topic Assignment Due

Syllabus, course objectives and expectations

M 1.24 Introduction: Artist Book, Class Website and
Artist Presentation

Time and Place: Site Specific Project Art 21: Kara Walker, Sarah Sze,
W 1.26 Website Construction Mark Dion
Student Presentations: Yayoi Kusama,
M 1.31 James Turrell, Tony Oursler
Work on Site Specific Project
Project Check in
W 2.2 Work on Site Specific
M 2.7 Critique Site Specific Site Specific Project

Student Presentations: Ana Mandieta, Judy Art 21: Jacolby Satterwhite,

W 2.9 Chicago, Ushio Shinohara Glen Ligon, Mona Hatoum
Identity and the Body: Performance Project

Watch Marina Abramovic: The Artist is

M 2.14 Present
W 2.16 Critique Performance Performance Project
Student Presentations: Guerilla Girls, Ai Art 21: Oliver Herring, Theaster
M 2.21 Weiwei, Mark Bradford Gates, Alfredo Jarr
Social Practice: Social Practice Project
Project Check in
W 2.23 Work on Social Practice
M 2.28 Work on Social Practice
W 3.2 Critique on Social Practice Social Practice

Student Presentations: John Cage, Mark Watch Art 21: Janet Cardiff, Tim
M 3.7 Dixon Hawkinson, Susan Philipz
Sound Art: Sound Art Project

Project Check in Collect sounds from real life and

W 3.9 Work on Sound Art online
Bring headphones to class

M 3.14 Critique Sound Art Project Sound Art Project

 Student Presentations: Robert Smithson, Art 21: Ursula Von Rydingsvard,
W 3.16 Olafur Elison, El Anatsui James Turrell, Walter De Maria
Environmental Art: Goldsworthy Project
M 3.21 NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
W 3.23 NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
M 3.28 Project Check in

W 3.30 Critique Goldsworthy Goldsworthy Project

Environmental Art: Found & Recycled Paper

M 4.4 Project
Project Check in
W 4.6 Work on Found & Recycled Paper
Project Check in
M 4.11 Work on Found & Recycled Paper
W 4.13 Critique Found & Recycled Found & Recycled Paper
Project
M 4.18 NO CLASS – EASTER HOLIDAY
W 4.20 Introduction to Final Project: Self Directed
Introduction to Artist Statement & Extra Credit
Project Check in
M 4.25 Work on Self Directed

W 4.27 Artist Statement: First Draft Artist Statement First Draft

Peer Review

Work on Self Directed

M 5.2 Website Update

Last Day of Class: Final Critique Self-Directed Project

W 5.4 Artist Statement Final Draft
Artist Website
Extra Credit