ARC3020Y F
Instructor(s): John Shnier
Meeting Section: L0110
Tuesday, 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

NOTE ON THE VIDEO PRESENTATION

The video presentation in support of this Research Studio is somewhat longer than asked for. Please take the time to watch it as it serves to show examples of past work in order to illustrate.

PIRANESI AS INSPIRATIONAL PROTAGONIST: PROLIFIC

We will start with a student-lead seminar that examines the work and objectives of The Venetian polymath, Gian Battista Piranesi (1720 – 1778). Piranesi was tireless in his production of drawings in support of his thesis. We will use his own seminal drawings, The Carceri, to understand his thesis and examine concepts such as Palimpsest, Fragment, Flux, and form. This studio asks you to draw; and like Piranesi, draw a lot support of embodying your thesis.

A LEAP OF FAITH: FIRST PIRANESI’S THESIS, THEN YOURS

Once the class develops a collective position and vocabulary regarding his thesis, we will proceed to transform Piranesi’s thesis discourse towards creating one’s own thesis discourse. It will be understood that this early determination is a “leap of faith”. This early thesis concept does not have to be remarkable to start but you must start for it to become remarkable.

FOLIO: STILL + MOVING

From your personal thesis construct, you prepare drawings/artefacts in a continuous and iterative manner. The definition of “drawing” is fluid and wide-ranging. This studio has supported everything from prints to models to operas. The objective is to create a works that are, collected curated and formed into a coherent organized folio of elements. The latent kinetic quality of Piranesi’s work, as observed by the Russian avant-garde film maker, Sergei Eisenstein, shall also be present in your work through the creation and integration of a short film. Your film must be a complementary element facilitating the the 4th dimension in representation. Experimenting with incorporating drawing in motion is consistent with an understanding of flux. Examples of previous films can be seen on the Daniels YouTube site.

PROFESSOR PROMPTED; STUDENT DIRECTED, COLLABORATIVE, CRITICAL AND ITERATIVE

Students considering this studio should be prepared to be very self-motivated and self-directed in the type, quality and quantity of drawings they create. It is the continuous discussion, feedback and critical environment that will help guide the student in advancing their work as well as defining and formatting the type of “folio” in which their work is assembled, and how they apply the critical discussions to the advancement of their work. The success of each student project depends on the continuous production of new work in response to ongoing critical environment with the participation of each student in the group. The studio promotes a safe and inclusive space for discourse. The professor will prompt and guide discussions to create a critical environment. This environment aims to support each project. Students will seek to understand and support each other’s work.

STUDIO 1 + 2 + RESEACH PREP: A COMPREHENSIVE WHOLE

This studio merges research prep into studio as a seamless exercise and in turn, it is accepted that the momentum of the research and its outcomes continues into the Winter Term, Research Studio 2. The end of Research Studio 1 asks you to “curate” your drawing production for examination and discussion that you will then take into Research Studio 2 to continue to develop and refine.

ROME: CONTINUING RESEARCH TRIP

Pandemic permitting, we will go to Rome in February 2022, where one is immersed in a palimpsest of fragment and flux. This trip is non-mandatory. Those who wish to go are encouraged to be as prepared as possible for travel as per the travel requirements of that time. This includes understanding travel restrictions related to vaccine and/or testing protocols, passports and visas as may be required. A U of T Safety Abroad Course will have to be completed.