Painting, both as a medium and field, has a specific language and semiotic system. In addition to the signs within painting itself, the practice inevitably also exists within a larger, post-medium expanded field of art with different sets of contexts and criteria. This class will examine both how contemporary painting's signifiers function within its own field as well as their relationship to other current art critical trends and pressures. The trajectory of the class will topically move from the medium-specific, to more hybrid practices, and finally to larger political and economic contexts that change the signifying ability of painting. Class structure will consist of lectures, reading discussions and individual presentations. Instructor will lecture on contemporary painting issues. Students are expected to complete all assignments. Assignments include in-class presentations about artists and a final paper about a contemporary painter or subject. Paper topics can include but not be limited by any theme listed in the weeks and or any artist listed. Students will gain working knowledge of contemporary painting issues with a thorough understanding of modernist, post-modernist and contemporary painting trajectories. Students will develop their own projects and themes. Students will sharpen their ability to read, write and speak about contemporary painting.

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