Memory and contemporary art

ART 422 – Fall 2016
Research Paper Assignment

Length: 1200-1500 words (not including endnotes or works cited)
Format: typed, double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman font

Assignment:

Select one of the topics listed below (or get my approval for another topic that you are interested in). You will need to include the following elements in your paper:

1. Introduction including thesis statement.
2. Summary of your research on the topic – for example, if you are writing about something like “globalization in contemporary art” this section might include background on how to define globalization in relation to art, ways that the art world has become globalized, pros and cons of globalization.
3. Two or three examples of artists whose work addresses this theme. Please select artists that we have not discussed extensively in class. Depending on your theme, a different example (e.g., a specific museum) might be relevant. You will want to analyze at least one work by each artist. In this section you should be writing about things that develop your thesis statement.
4. Your conclusions about the topic. For example, how you feel that globalization will continue to be explored in contemporary art. The conclusion should pull together all the ideas in the paper and support the thesis.

Sources:

You are required to use at least 4 reputable sources for your research. These can include books, articles and museum web sites. We will discuss in class what databases and online resources are best for finding these sources and how to identify a reputable source.

Articles do not just have to be from academic journals; you can use major newspapers and magazines such as ArtForum, Frieze, Art in America and Art Review. Check with me if you have any questions about a source.

If you quote from or paraphrase a source in your paper you should include a parenthetical citation after the quote/paraphrase. The format would be (Author/website, page #). For example:
(Smith, 92)
(www.moma.org/Picasso) – a website does not need a page number

You should also have a works cited page that lists all sources you consulted in the following format:
Book:
Name of author, Title of Book (Place of publication: Name of publisher, Year of publication), Page #s
For example, Fred Smith, Picasso’s Paintings (New York: Hudson Press, 2010), 135-145.
Article:
Name of author, “Title of Article,” Name of Newspaper/Magazine/Journal, Date of Publication, Page #s
For example, Fred Smith, “Major Picasso Painting Sells for Millions,” New York Times, January 24, 2012, 14.
Web site:
URL, Date accessed
For example, www.moma.org/Picasso, accessed April 29, 2015

Presentation component:

You will also give a brief (about 5 minutes) presentation of your research in class. I will provide more information about the presentation requirements in a separate assignment brief.

Possible topics:

These are suggestions – I am very open to other topics that are relevant to the themes we have discussed in class.

Themes:

The value of contemporary art
Art fairs and biennials
The contemporary art museum
Curating contemporary art
The body in contemporary art
Gender in contemporary art
Identity (personal or group) in contemporary art
Contemporary art and protest
Memory and contemporary art (could also look at memorials)
Surveillance in contemporary art
Mapping in contemporary art
Contemporary artists responses to climate change (or other environmental issues)
Non-western art markets (e.g., China, Africa, India) and/or artistic production in those areas
Contemporary painting, sculpture, photography or video art

Museum websites that could be useful:

Tate Modern, London
Serpentine Gallery, London
MAXXI, Rome
Sydney (Australia) Museum of Contemporary Art
Singapore Art Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Shanghai
New Museum, New York
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
For each section of the paper provide a topic sentence and at least two supporting sentences. (this is a minimum – add more information if you wish)

I. Introduction including thesis statement

II. Summary of your research on the topic in general

III. What artists you will research and one point about each

IV. Your conclusions about the topic

Also list at least two of the sources you are using for your research (you can list more if you have them).