PP431-OOO - Signs and Symbols in the Visual Arts
Category: Personal Property
Continuing Education: 18
Registration
Please see the "Upcoming Classes" tab for class offerings and registration information.
Course Description
Since the beginning of history, human beings
have used visual images to signify concepts, beliefs and ideas. This course
will explore visual vocabularies and how they are used
in material culture and will look at images of
the cosmos, the earth, geometric forms, animals, plants and the human body and how
they are used in art, architecture and design. The focus
will be on imagery of the European tradition, though examples
from India, China, Japan and indigenous American cultures will also be considered. There is
not a written exam at the end of the course; however,each student will
present an informal oral report on the afternoon of day two, using an example
from the Huntington's
collections.
Instructional Methods
The approach to the material will be interdisciplinary.
The course format will be primarily lecture and discussion, with rich imagery,
film and video clips. Additionally, students will have the collections of
The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens as a field
in which to "scavenger hunt” for interesting and compelling signs and symbols. An interdisciplinary approach
to the material covered.
Course Audience
Because
painting, sculpture, books, furniture, decorative arts, buildings, coins and
other objects will be used as sources, the course will be quite useful for those
interested in visual studies, personal property appraisers, art and antique
collectors, interior designers and anyone wishing to deepen their appreciation
of the rich vocabulary of art, architecture and design.
No prerequisites for this course.
Agenda
Day 1
I. Course Introduction and Methodology
II. Colors and Numbers
III. The Cosmos
IV. The Landscape and Weather
V. Geometry and Architecture
Day 2
VI. Animals and Plants
VII. The Body
VII. Brief Informal Presentations (using the
resources of the Huntington’s collection)
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course,students will be able
toidentify and analyze many of major signs and symbols used in art, architecture
and design.