VCA ART 2022

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) involves completion of a substantial piece of original research, demonstrating ability to communicate research findings effectively in professional arenas and international contexts. In most cases the thesis includes a body of exceptional artwork and a substantial written paper. It is a rigorous and sustained piece of work showing a research 'apprenticeship' is complete and admitting the holder to the community of scholars in the discipline.

The Master of Fine Arts (Visual Art) is a two-year masters program that extends an artist’s potential for academic research. This studio-based program facilitates and develops mastery in the chosen field of practice and contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary artistic practice, cultural theory and discourse more broadly. The practice-led MFA culminates in a substantial piece of original research that generally comprises a body of creative work and a written dissertation.

The Master of Contemporary Art program serves as a bridge between undergraduate study and independent art practice. This coursework program prepares students to develop a professional art practice, situate their practice within contemporary art contexts, and gain important networks in a supportive community of staff, artists and industry professionals. The course encourages experimentation, speculation and engaged dialogue with staff and students in an independent studio setting. In the second year, students identify an area of research to investigate and undertake a year-long studio project. Throughout the degree, students undertake a range of professional opportunities including graduate intensives, group and solo exhibitions, and local and international travel.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Degree with Honours) is an esteemed program designed to support students wishing to develop research skills and deepen understandings of contemporary artistic practice and related theoretical discourse. With an emphasis on independent artistic research and devising and managing a major creative project, this dynamic program prepares candidates for advanced critical and creative thinking and problem solving. Honours is located in The Stables, a world class teaching and learning facility at the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct and with strong connections to a diverse range of professional partnerships and networks. Academic staff within the program are leading artists, theorists and curators in their field.

The Graduate Certificate in Visual Art is a part-time course that facilitates practical and theoretical frameworks for studio workshops, complimented by studies in art history and theory. As it is graduate level, GCVA students can choose to work in painting, drawing, digital technologies, printmaking, sculpture, installation, performance or photography, and/or a combination of the above. Throughout the year formal group critiques and individual discussions encourage critical reflection on the works made. The Graduate Certificate in Visual Art is designed for students who have completed a degree and wish to further develop their skills in the visual arts.

This program is taught by leading contemporary artists in immersive studio- and workshop-based environments, and it enables students to develop their own professional art practice. Students experiment with a wide range of approaches, including traditional drawing and print media as well as digital media, video, installation, performance and socially-engaged art. Students develop their material and conceptual methods in response to their interests, contextualised in relation to relevant historical and contemporary art practices and theory. Through their work, students address broader concerns, such as social and political issues, often drawing from other fields of knowledge. As genealogies of artistic practice, the fields of drawing and printmaking provide a foundation upon which students can invent the art practices of tomorrow.

Painting is taught in an immersive, studio-based environment. Reflecting the diversity of contemporary art practice, it supports independent and conceptually innovative practice. By developing technical and conceptual methodologies students gain a sound knowledge of traditional and contemporary painting skills, techniques and concepts.

With the practice of critical analysis, students become more confident in the expression of their own visual ideas and observations. Students learn about the historical, contemporary and theoretical context in which they work.

These days, everyone seems to be taking photos. But what exactly is a photo, and what is the photographic? How can we use the practice of photography to create artistic works, and how can we apply photographic thinking to develop art even without a camera?

At the VCA, our photography program will encourage you to think about these questions and more as you engage in a comprehensive exploration of contemporary photographic practice and theory. You will have the opportunity to learn about the history of photography and apply your own unique perspective and ideas as you work on your own artistic projects. In our studio-based learning environment, you will be able to experiment with a variety of techniques, including black and white darkroom photography, colour darkroom printing, digital and video imaging, and projected installations. By using these and other methods, you will discover the full potential of photography and the kind of artist you can become.

Sculpture is where we test material, any material, your material.
 
Material comes from our body; our place and our time, from a history, from a cultural memory, or the all to present future. Material suggests, reflects, cascades, shatters, lingers, transforms, protrudes and disappears. It pulls you in and pushes you away. We circle material, develop new techniques, strategies and languages that challenge established knowledge. Material is supported, physically politically and intellectually by space, place and context, but let’s not go there right now, let’s stay with material and the impossibility of pinning it down.