Deanna Bustamante

This course was an introduction to contemporary visual art and ideas. Students came away from Art 8 with a much deeper, complex understanding of the richness of visual culture in the here-and-now, and their own equally deep, complex relationship with it as both makers and appreciators. 

There were 3 major thematic projects (Aspects of the Self-Other, Appropriation-Recontextualization-Integration, Perception-Phenomena-Entropy-Spirituality), open to wide interpretation. These 3 projects were the core of the Art 8 experience, and demonstrated students’ abilities to manifest what they learned into effective, complex visual material. Experimentation with materials and concepts was highly encouraged. All projects were supported in peer groups and then discussed formally in final critiques with the entire class.

These projects were supplemented by a number of smaller projects and writings in response to slide lectures, museum and field trips, and guest artists. Activities included visits to SFMoMA, Berkeley Art Museum, and the home/studio of artist Megan Wilson. Guest artists who came to campus were Kenneth Lo and Mike Arcega. Students were also required to attend at least one “Oakland Art Murmur” and one art lecture on their own time.