Australian Art

Description

This subject pivots on a series of provocations regarding art, identity and geography. It poses the question, one proposed to artist Bessie Davidson in the late nineteenth century: does art have a nationality? It interrogates settler/invader/colonial art and its persistence in the face of 65,000 years of continuous culture. Largely chronological in approach, and encompassing all Australian art traditions including First Nations art, this subject examines where Australian art happens, and introduces us to those who made it, and who continue to make it today. It examines historic and recent art histories including those written by Bernard Smith, Joan Kerr, Ian McLean and Rex Butler that argue for, and against, national art histories. In so-called Australia, can there even be a national art history, and if so, who gets to call it? Teaching Period: 2 March 2026 to 31 May 2026 Assessment Information: Description Timing Percentage Oral presentation 600 words Week 3 15% Written visual analysis 1400 words Week 8 35% Take-home exam 2000 words (equivalent) During the examination period 50% Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching period N/A Hurdle requirement: 2. Assessment hurdle requirement: All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task. Throughout the semester N/A Additional details Late penalty requirement : Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval.