Program Overview

The Contemporary Portrait Module

The Contemporary Portrait module, coded as DJ31004, is a 20-credit course offered by the School of Art and Design at the University of Dundee. This module is designed to explore notions of identity and consider philosophies of The Self and The Other through visual ideas and artworks.

Module Overview

The main focus of the module will be based in the studio, leading to the production of a portrait work or series of works. Students will also attend lectures, group crits, and seminars to explore aspects of the history, practice, and importance of portraiture in a broadly based visual practice.

What Will You Learn

In this module, students will:

• Expand their knowledge of the history and practice of portraiture, engaging with multiple disciplines to create a contemporary portrait in the broadest of senses.
• Extend their existing practice, developing an understanding of the contemporary portrait in its myriad forms.
• Expand on the concept of the portrait, embracing themes such as 'identity', 'the body', and 'self' in contemporary practice.
• Learn appropriate disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills in relation to the subject, leading to the production of a finished portrait work.

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Assess and implement appropriate creative processes relative to the subject in the creation of a contemporary portrait.
• Understand and articulate their ideas verbally, regarding the 'journey' involved in the development of the finished artwork.
• Show a knowledge of various practices employed by artists in the process of creating a portrait work and apply a critical context to the analysis of these and other works.
• Show their visual techniques through the creation and evolution of a sketchbook, documenting their research journey.
• Exhibit a range of technical skills appropriate to the realization of their portrait work.

Assignments / Assessment

• Coursework (100%): There are two final outcomes that will be assessed at the end of the module, including a body of supporting work and an artist statement that relates to The Self and The Other.
• This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching Methods / Timetable

• Lectures and artist talks: Alongside the two core lectures, there will be artist talks delivered by the module's tutors.
• Individual and small group tutorials: These will support students' development, and practical workshops will be available if required.
• A study trip to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery may be possible, and other venues may also be appropriate to further enhance understanding of what constitutes a contemporary portrait in the broadest sense.

Courses

This module is available on the following courses:

• Art and Design courses:
  • Illustration BDes (Hons)
  • Fine Art BA (Hons)
  • Graphic Design BDes (Hons)
  • Art & Philosophy BA (Hons)
  • Textile Design BDes (Hons)
  • Jewellery & Metal Design BDes (Hons)
  • Animation BDes (Hons)
  • Product Design BSc (Hons)
  • Interior & Environmental Design BDes (Hons)
  • Experience Design BDes (Hons)
• Philosophy courses:
  • Art & Philosophy BA (Hons)