Why Art Cannot Be Taught : A Handbook for Art Students
by
James Elkins
Book Details
Format
Paperback / Softback
ISBN-10
0252069501
ISBN-13
9780252069505
Publisher
University of Illinois Press
Imprint
University of Illinois Press
Country of Manufacture
US
Country of Publication
GB
Publication Date
May 17th, 2001
Print length
224 Pages
Weight
370 grams
Dimensions
23.50 x 14.60 x 1.60 cms
Product Classification:
History of art / art & design stylesHistory of artReference works
Ksh 3,800.00
Werezi Extended Catalogue
Delivery in 14 days
3 copies in stock
Delivery Location
Delivery fee: Select location
Delivery in 14 days
Secure
Quality
Fast
Examines the curious endeavor to teach the unteachable that is generally known as college-level art instruction. This book traces the development (or invention) of the modern art school and considers how issues such as the question of core curriculum and the intellectual isolation of art schools affect the teaching and learning of art.
In this smart survival guide for students and teachers--the only book of its kind--James Elkins examines the "curious endeavor to teach the unteachable" that is generally known as college-level art instruction. This singular project is organized around a series of conflicting claims about art: "Art can be taught, but nobody knows quite how."
"Art can be taught, but it seems as if it can''t be since so few students become outstanding artists."
"Art cannot be taught, but it can be fostered or helped along."
"Art cannot be taught or even nourished, but it is possible to teach right up to the beginnings of art so that students are ready to make art the moment they graduate."
"Great art cannot be taught, but more run-of-the-mill art can be."
Elkins traces the development (or invention) of the modern art school and considers how issues such as the question of core curriculum and the intellectual isolation of art schools affect the teaching and learning of art. He also addresses the phenomenon of art critiques as a microcosm for teaching art as a whole and dissects real-life critiques, highlighting presuppositions and dynamics that make them confusing and suggesting ways to make them more helpful.
Elkins''s no-nonsense approach clears away the assumptions about art instruction that are not borne out by classroom practice. For example, he notes that despite much talk about instilling visual acuity and teaching technique, in practice neither teachers nor students behave as if those were their principal goals. He addresses the absurdity of pretending that sexual issues are absent from life-drawing classes and questions the practice of holding up great masters and masterpieces as models for students capable of producing only mediocre art. He also discusses types of art--including art that takes time to complete and art that isn''t serious--that cannot be learned in studio art classes.
Why Art Cannot Be Taught is a response to Elkins''s observation that "we know very little about what we do" in the art classroom. His incisive commentary illuminates the experience of learning art for those involved in it, while opening an intriguing window for those outside the discipline.
"Art can be taught, but it seems as if it can''t be since so few students become outstanding artists."
"Art cannot be taught, but it can be fostered or helped along."
"Art cannot be taught or even nourished, but it is possible to teach right up to the beginnings of art so that students are ready to make art the moment they graduate."
"Great art cannot be taught, but more run-of-the-mill art can be."
Elkins traces the development (or invention) of the modern art school and considers how issues such as the question of core curriculum and the intellectual isolation of art schools affect the teaching and learning of art. He also addresses the phenomenon of art critiques as a microcosm for teaching art as a whole and dissects real-life critiques, highlighting presuppositions and dynamics that make them confusing and suggesting ways to make them more helpful.
Elkins''s no-nonsense approach clears away the assumptions about art instruction that are not borne out by classroom practice. For example, he notes that despite much talk about instilling visual acuity and teaching technique, in practice neither teachers nor students behave as if those were their principal goals. He addresses the absurdity of pretending that sexual issues are absent from life-drawing classes and questions the practice of holding up great masters and masterpieces as models for students capable of producing only mediocre art. He also discusses types of art--including art that takes time to complete and art that isn''t serious--that cannot be learned in studio art classes.
Why Art Cannot Be Taught is a response to Elkins''s observation that "we know very little about what we do" in the art classroom. His incisive commentary illuminates the experience of learning art for those involved in it, while opening an intriguing window for those outside the discipline.
Get Why Art Cannot Be Taught by at the best price and quality guaranteed only at Werezi Africa's largest book ecommerce store. The book was published by University of Illinois Press and it has pages.
