The Contemporary Portrait module (DJ31004)

Your main focus on the module will be based in the studio. This will lead to the production of a portrait work or series of works.

You will also attend lectures, group crits and seminars. These will explore aspects of the history, practice and importance of portraiture in a broadly based visual practice.

During the module you will attend two core lectures on the philosophies of Martin Heidegger (The Self) and Emmanuel Levinas (The Other). These will be supported by examples of a variety of artworks that relate to these themes. This will give a broad understanding of how identity is formed and how we interrelate with others.

These themes will underpin the final artworks you create. The final artworks can be in any medium or discipline.

Optional self-directed study visit to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

What will you learn

In this module, you will:

• expand your knowledge of the history and practice of portraiture. You will engage with multiple disciplines to create a contemporary portrait in the broadest of senses
• extend your existing practice. You will develop an understanding of the contemporary portrait in its myriad forms
• expand on the concept of the portrait. This will allow you to embrace themes such as 'identity', 'the body', and ‘self' in contemporary practice
• learn appropriate disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills in relation to the subject. This will lead to the production of a finished portrait work

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• assess and implement appropriate creative processes. These will be relative to the subject in the creation of a contemporary portrait
• understand and be able to articulate your ideas verbally. You will be able to do this in regards to the ‘journey’ involved in the development of the finished artwork
• show a knowledge of various practices employed by artists in the process of creating a portrait work. You will also be able to apply a critical context to analysis of these and other works
• show your visual techniques through the creation and evolution of a sketchbook. This will be a document of your research journey
• exhibit a range of technical skills appropriate to the realisation of your portrait work

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)

There are two final outcomes that will be assessed at the end of the module. This will also include:

• a body of supporting work
• an artist statement that relates to The Self and The Other

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures and artist talks
  • Alongside the two core lectures there will be artist talks delivered by the module's tutors
• individual and small group tutorials
  • These will support your development, and practical workshops will be available if required.

A study trip to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery may be possible. Other venues may also be appropriate. These will further enhance your understanding of what constitutes a contemporary portrait in the broadest sense.