Experiments in Art Writing

Whether you are an artist working on their statement, making a book, writing for a contemporary art publication, documenting their process, or simply looking to artist books and writings for inspiration, this course is for you. We will study works by visual artists Sable Elyse Smith, Andy Warhol, Bob Flanagan, Aria Dean, ANOHNI, and more, as well as exhibitions at the Hammer and Brooklyn Museum. Together, we will consider the strategies artists implement to subvert or conform to the medium's conventions, and address the following questions: the traditions we are working in; material conditions of writing; when and how to make writing public; the logistics of publishing including platform, budget, context, impact; and writing as an avenue to create community. We will welcome guest speakers, and you will receive resources to support your writing endeavors at CalArts and beyond.