Art Studio

This course examines basic components used to build a coherent and meaningful graphic project/entity, which are central to understanding visual communication on fundamental level. Necessary technical requirements for digital and physical/material application are covered at the start, after which main design tools (image and text) are analyzed along with basic visual design rules and guidelines (unity, hierarchy, balance, contrast, etc.) followed by addressing elements to build a fundamental graphic narrative (color, reduced visuals, full visuals, infographics), concluded by application of aforementioned items across different media: Deliverables ‐ Poster, Booklet, Digital Presentation, with consistency in translation of semiotic values and with showcasing basic visual literacy in execution of each as a final requirement.

This course examines the societal, economical, and cultural impact of integrative systems and the importance of integrating design into the creation of integrative systems. It covers basic design principles, design terminology, design skill-sets, design thinking and process, and how a good design relates to the design principles. Students will also learn about what is an integrative system and the importance of using technology to build an integrative system and how it is decomposed into different sub-systems that involve multiple technology components, interacting with each other.

This course covers historical and contemporary concepts and techniques relating to non-objective painting. Painting is addressed in its history and as a category of contemporary art. It is broadly defined as an extended practice with a broad range of material, spatial and intellectual possibilities. Geometric abstraction, gestural abstraction and minimalism have all made their marks on contemporary painting, which often mixes them together. In the course a variety of these approaches are explored through focused and self-initiated projects. As their studies progress, students are encouraged to develop their own approaches and set out their own parameters to create a valid studio practice.

This practice-based drawing course focuses on developing skills and techniques in botanical drawing, using drawing and watercolor media. Students will be introduced to specialist botanical drawing techniques. Lectures and writing tasks that explore the botanical in historic and contemporary visual art will complement the drawing program. 

This course explores the use of different methods of production and drawing techniques and technologies. Topics include: human morphology, canon, and proportions; osteology; myology; comparative anatomy.

This studio course examines creative responses to design challenges through critical inquiry into contemporary issues relevant to textile design. 

This course introduces the world of imaginative sketching. It provides confidence and skills in expressing ideas visually, regardless of ones drawing level. Topics include line walking, class portraits, left-hand sketch, blind contours, and Rorschach sketch.

This course examines Mātauranga Māori and Māori narratives through design, using both analogue and digital techniques.