This past weekend was a very meaningful event for Americans and especially for New Yorkers. The tenth anniversary of September 11th 2001 marked a milestone for the citizens of this country, and has set a trajectory to begin the healing process. One common misconception about the contemporary art world is that artists are somehow removed from the events of our everyday lives. This could not be further from the truth. Artists live in the same world as everyone else, and their work is always a response to the environment in which they live. For our first class field trip, we will go to two different shows in Long Island City which deal with the events of September 11th and the world that those events have created. The first show is on campus and the second show is at MoMA PS1. While you are at these exhibits, you will be expected to take notes. Especially, take care to write down the name, title and date information for works that interest you. This will be an important part of your writing reaction.
For your reaction, you need to write a one-page essay (250 words). I will ask you to begin with your personal perspective. How have the events of September 11th affected your life? How have they changed the world in which you live? What elements of this change have been positive? What elements have been negative?
Next, you will select three works of art that you have encountered at either show. At least two works need to come from the show at PS1. Trust your instincts and pick work that immediately jumps out at you. What do these works of art share with your own perspective? How do they differ from your perspective? Some of the works were made before the events of September 11th, so keep your eye on the dates listed for the work that you choose. Does your knowledge of the date that the work was made change your understanding of the work?
The format for the reaction should be as follows: an introduction paragraph about your personal experience, three body paragraphs (one for each artwork you choose), and a short conclusion (this should sum up your ideas, or discuss how your ideas may have changed over the course of the writing). Post the writing on your Blogger page under the title, “Art and World Events Reaction”, and label the post as “Field Trip 1”.
At the end of your post, cite the three artworks that you choose in the following format. This information is generally available on the wall near the artwork:
Artist’s Full Name
“Title of Work” (write this in quotations)*
Year Completed
*When referencing the work in the body of your writing, also be sure to write the titles in quotations.
Hello! Prof. Ari Richter
ReplyDeleteI had read your field trip #1 and i like the way you work with your students. I knew that you went to the exceptional kind of shows that talk about the events of 11th September.Then you asked some question to your students that means you had explain all of the answer first. i wish i could go with you And i could get more knowledge about the 11th September.