Video Criticism, Spring 1999 by Deirdre Boyle
During the past thirty years, video has emerged as a major medium for art and information, distinguishing itself from the conventions, expectations, and economic structures previously established by broadcast television while simultaneously joining the ranks of the other fine arts. This course addresses both independent video art and documentary production; it offers a brief historical overview of the medium, reviews the critical literature about video, and investigates contemporary concerns such as the relationship between contemplation and interactivity and the viability of using of video to effect social/cultural change. Students are encouraged to pursue their own interests and develop their own critical and theoretical viewpoints on varied aspects of video past and present.
Writing assignments include the following:
#1. Write brief (750-1500 word) review of Spanish video artist Antonio Muntadas' CD-rom or write 2000 word essay on aspect of video history.
#2. Write 1000-1500 word review of Resolutions (Michael Renov/Erika Suderberg, eds.) or Reasons for Knocking at an Empty House (Bill Viola) for a popular journal (eg. The Village Voice), a scholarly journal (eg. Journal of Communication), an art journal (eg. Art in America), or a media/video journal (eg. Felix, Afterimage).
#3. Write a 2000 word essay on Mary Lucier's exhibition "Floodsongs" at the Museum of Modern Art for a scholarly journal, popular journal, art journal or media/video journal. .
#4.Prepare an oral critique (5-10 min.) of one recent video exhibition (by Alan Berliner, Michael Smith, Meredith Monk, Stan Douglas/Douglas Grodon, others) or one or more of MoMA's new technology lectures.
#5. Final Essay. Students decide the subject, but must submit a proposal to the editor for approval. Suggested topics: MoMA's New Technology Lectures in April; Book Reviews (Virtualities, Resolutions, Subject to Change, Reasons for Knocking); Reviews of shows (Berliner, Peili, Smith, Lucier, Video Salon at Dia, etc.); Review of Muntadas CD-rom; essay on video activis; survey of artist's web projects (Dia Center, Shu Lea Chang's Brandon at Guggenheim, etc.); profile of video artist, documentarist, electronic innovator; other ideas arising out of course: Censorship, feminism, ethnicity, AIDS, queer video, interactivity, etc.) Essay should be based on readings, screenings (at the library or elsewhere) and include some independent research and critical thinking. Essay should average 8-12 pages and be aimed at Afterimage (follow publication guidelines and include a mediagraphy)
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