This presentation accounts for 20% of the final grade. The following will be considered in approximately equal weight for grading the presentation:
- Research
- Visual interest and relevance of the Power Point slides and effects (if any)
- The student's performance of the presentation
During discussions in class today, several people asked about content for the presentation. Here are a few guidelines. They're not rigid rules. You can potentially do a very good presentation by completely ignoring them - just some things to think about.
- The main thing to get across is the concept(s) behind the artist's work. How does does this concept relate to the classic ideas of conceptual art developed by Sol Lewitt and others? What are they saying? or trying to say? or are they just in it for fame and fortune (unlikely)? A presentation along the lines of: they did this artwork then they did this artwork, then this one, and oh there was this one, kind of thing isn't going to get rapturous applause (or a very high grade).
- Use various types of visual imagery - not just pictures of the artist's work. For example pictures of the artist, where they work(ed), contemporaries, etc. You can also show video clips in PowerPoint (but, remember you only have 20 seconds per slide).
- Your presentation is likely to be richer if you've conducted research in the library in addition to Google. Google doesn't have access to all information sources (yet). The size and quality of images on the web can be poor. Scanning from publications such as exhibition catalogs may be required. You could also try the Art Department slide library which may have access to good quality scans. It will be obvious if you've relied on low quality images from the web.
- What was happening in the wider culture when the work was made? And how does their work relate to this? For example, much work in the 60's was influenced by the Vietnam War, civil rights issues, etc. Contemporary artists of today might be influenced by the Iraq War, Globalization, the Environment, etc.
- Beware of arbitrary transitions between slides. Ask yourself why you chose that transition and not another one. How does the transition reinforce what you (or the artist) is trying to say. And that goes for backgrounds too. Why are you using that standard rainbow colored PowerPoint background? Why not use white? Or, what about using faint images of the artist or their work slide backgrounds?
- You will need to practice your Pecha Kucha before presenting it in class.. It is unlikely you will do a good presentation unless you've practiced it several times. Remember 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide and that's it. Check out examples of Pecha Kucha on YouTube, or other sources. I also showed you some sites with tips on Pecha Kucha.
- What do you personally think of the artist's work? Have you gained anything from studying them? Ultimately, this class is all about your personal development as an artist (or non-artist).
That's probably enough to think about for now....
