Course - Advanced Artistic Work 4 - Master Thesis - BK3400
Advanced Artistic Work 4 - Master Thesis
Choose study yearAssessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
The course focuses on the development of artistic research practices and contextualisation. It covers the entire spectrum from research and concept development, reflection, articulation and realisation. During semester four, the MFA candidate completes an independent and/or collective artistic work known as the final thesis project. Each student is required to submit a written component that accompanies the artistic work. This critical reflection aims to provide knowledge and insight into the artistic project by analysing the process and relation between the work and relevant fields of contemporary art and discourse, including references. The final thesis project will be presented in a public setting at the end of the semester. In preparation, the course also sets out to explore various formats and practices of public display. Through supervision, group discussions and interaction, lectures and co-learning activities the course investigates how public relations and display imply strategic, ethical and artistic responsiveness.
Learning outcome
The objective is to focus and develop the MFA thesis project, which is to be presented and examined at the end of the two-year term. On completion of this course, student will be able to:
- demonstrate the artistic knowledge, skills and competence required for contemporary art practice at an international level
- develop and carry out an independent (or contribute significantly to a) collective artistic project and present it in a public context
- identify and evaluate artistic and ethical challenges, as well as relevant theoretical issues
- analyse and communicate the intentions, values and meaning underlying their artistic work
- demonstrate knowledge and collaborative skills to initiate artistic research projects
- understand how to acquire, administer and use available budgets and means in a sustainable and efficient way
- assess their own artistic work and take responsibility for their own academic and professional development
- negotiate and collaborate with others to initiate and develop artistic projects.
Successful completion of the course results in the presentation of a project and passing an oral exam, which are the requirements needed to earn the MFA degree.
Learning methods and activities
The course covers a range of pedagogical formats and activities:
- course meetings - planning, organising and arranging public group or individual graduation presentations
- group interaction in the form of meetings with fellow students and supervisors
- supervision with supervisors and fellow students
- submission of MFA thesis: individual (or individual contribution to a collective) artistic project, along with documentation and a written critical reflection text
- participation in MFA degree presentation(s)
- participation in learning activities such as supervision, group interactions and course specific seminars and projects is mandatory.
Specific conditions
Approved compulsory assignments are valid in the current semester.
This course is offered to international master’s students. Language of instruction is English.
Compulsory assignments
- Participation in course activities
- Hand-in: Technical Rider for MFA exhibition
- Hand-in: riskassessment for master exhibition
- Hand-in: written critical reflection for catalogue
- Hand-in: MFA project documentation portfolio
Further on evaluation
Assessment
The student will be assessed based on the final thesis project that comprises three parts: public presentation of a final artistic project, a written critical reflection and documentation, and an oral presentation. The three parts are assessed in correlation to each other. Successful completion of the publicly presented project and passing the final oral exam assessed together with the written critical reflection text are the requirements needed to earn an MFA degree.
The Final Project Thesis includes:
1. Final Artistic Project and Public Presentation
The final cycle of each student’s studies culminates with a final presentation. Therefore, the MFA candidate presents an advanced body/scope? of independent or collective artistic work in their elected area of artistic research, displayed in an adequate public environment.
It should address the spatial considerations of the site where the artwork is being presented. In the case of site-specific or time-based formats, the student follows an equally professional approach, in consideration of setting, realization, and communication of the artwork.
2. Critical reflection text and documentation
Students are required to submit a written critical reflection of 5000 words.
The critical reflection aims to provide knowledge and insight into the artistic project. The writing shows a process of self-reflection and talks about the development and result of the work. Furthermore, the text contextualises the work within the relevant field of contemporary art and discourse, including references.
In addition, the student is requested to deliver a professional portfolio containing a short description, an artist's statement, documentation and if applicable, a video link, along with a detailed description of the artistic project.
The text and documentation should be delivered in Inspera as a compatible digital file format. Thesis submission date (beginning of April, date will be announced at the start of the semester).
3. Oral Presentation
The oral presentation serves as the basis for adjusting oral assessment within the frame of the thesis presentation. The oral assessment will cover the student’s work - both the written part and public interaction or presentation of work.
Postponed or re-examination will take place in the next exam period. In the case of a retake, the entire course must be repeated.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Fine Art (MFA)
Recommended previous knowledge
Students need to be signed up for the MFA program. Students signed up to other degrees or exchange students cannot take the thesis. All other courses in the study program (90 credits) must be passed before the work on the master thesis can be started.
Required previous knowledge
Students must have completed 90 study credits and the progress review must be successfully passed in BK3306 Advanced Artistic Work 3, to be considered eligible to enter the final semester and submit an MFA thesis.
Subject areas
- Fine Art