Writing for Arts & Culture - ART277 Spring 2026
Course
This course is an introduction to arts writing by taking advantage of the rich cultural life of Prague. There will be a focus on the temporary art exhibitions,
not necessarily only contemporary art. Experimental theatre and film will also be integrated as interdisciplinary forms in contemporary art. This is so that we take advantage of the numerous cultural festivals in the city, particularly for film or theatre. An understanding and appreciation of the role of cultural organizations and institutions will be emphasized, and so students will also be given the opportunity to meet with representatives of cultural organizations. Field trips to galleries, exhibits and other cultural events in Prague will be an integral component of the course. This activity will be combined with discussions of assigned readings from seminal to contemporary cultural critics and journalists.The primary reading is "How to Write About Contemporary Art" by Gilda Williams (available a the Library). Students will hopefully publish an essay or review in online publications based in Prague, or beyond.
Here is the course outline:
1. There is no single 'best' way to write about art
Feb 3
Introduction to the many forms of arts writing. Site Visit: No Word for Home (at the Artivist Lab) |
2. Eva Svankmajerova
Feb 10
Topic: The Czech Surrealists & Eva Svankmajerova |
3. Violence +
Feb 17
Topic: Violence + (Hyperrealists on the Czech Scene) Site Visit: Violence + at the Villa Pelle |
4. Delta (American Diaries)
Feb 24
Topic: Travel Photography Description: Delta region, Mississipi Site visit: Leica Gallery |
5. The Art of Activism
Mar 3
Topic: The Art of Activism Site visit: The Art of Activism at Prague City Gallery |
6. The Double
Mar 10
Topic: The Double at House of the Stone Bell, Prague City Gallery |
7. Sahej Rahel - Beyond the City of Time
Mar 17
Site visit to Galerie Rudolfinum |
8. L'Esprit Francais
Mar 24
L'Esprit Francais - French Interwar Advertising Posters at UMPRUM |
9. Mid-Term Break
Mar 31
There is no session this week |
10. Hit by News
Apr 7
Hit by New - Press Art from the Nobel Collection |
11. Labyrinth + Barbara Benish
Apr 14
Topic: Barbara Benish, guest artist, activist and author Description: Guest lecture Site visit: Labyrinth at Chateau Troja - Prague City Gallery |
12. The Art of Asia - Across Space & Time
Apr 21
Exhibition at Salm Palace (National Gallery of Prague) |
13. Week 13 - Final Visits
Apr 29
site visits TBA |
14. Final Visits - part 2
May 6
Topic: Final visits for the course - TBA Description: Final excursions for the short final article/assignment |
15. Final Exams week
May 13
no meeting, but it is your chance to meet in the classroom for consultations about the review #2 |