“One could even compare the function of Renaissance perspective with that of critical philosophy… The result was a translation of psychophysiological space into mathematical space; in other words, an objectification of the subjective.”
— Erwin Panofsky, Perspective as Symbolic Form
This course is about how an image might represent a codified or systematic way of thinking. We will study the differences between one-point perspective, parallel projection, non-perspectival representation, and the problem of depth in these representational modes. Weekly drawing exercises will be paired with readings to elaborate on various ‘rules’ for creating space in a picture. After a series of directed drawing assignments, students will work individually to further explore, untangle, or build on the drawing methods studied in the course. Students will have the option of making original work, creating perspectival experiments, or conducting and presenting research for their final projects. Massimo Scolari’s book (after which the course is titled) will be used as a reader, and we will consider Anne Anlin Cheng’s proposition that “We do not master by seeing; we are ourselves altered when we look.”
Learning Outcomes:
- learn how to identify the use of various perspectival modes in image making
- incorporating historical and theoretical research as part of an art practice
- learning the rules of a system (in this case, single point perspective) by employing it
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Reading and research are as important to this course as drawing and making things. Students who enroll must be prepared to engage with all assigned texts which include history, theory, and fiction. To register, please email the instructor (farhadmirza@bennington.edu) a statement of interest (300 words or less) about your interest in the subject matter.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
T 8:30AM - 12:10PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 14
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Design , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Visual Arts (VA)
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