This course will explore contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Culture. This unit will focus on the traditional and innovative aspects of Indigenous Visual Art with an emphasis on the reading of the visual artworks themselves. An understanding of the political and cultural context in which the artworks were made will be developed. Through an investigation of the many developments in Indigenous Art from traditional, rural and urban artists an understanding of the significance of these movements artistically, politically and culturally both locally and internationally will be developed.

The course will range between a survey of many of the Indigenous movements in Australia with case studies on particular artists to gain a more in-depth understanding of the artistic innovations and the social context of the artist.  Indigenous artists and curators will give guest lectures along with films and lectures from other specialized speakers.

A number of Gallery visits are planned as well as an excursion to sites of significance by a Ngunnawal ranger.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of important artistic movements in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Visual Culture
2. Locate developments in Indigenous Visual Art in the broader contexts of political, social and International Visual culture
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of visual arts in conveying concepts of Indigeneity and differing worldviews
4. Present written and oral arguments about Contemporary Australian Indigenous Visual Culture.

2000-3000 word essay (60%), tutorial presentation (30%) and participation (10%).

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is compulsory.

3 contact hours per week