Murals for the People with Adam Ciresi

NOTE: This course will be held in person. All students, staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated before they can enter the building. Please bring proof of vaccination with you.

View the previous term's Syllabus here.

Murals are significant throughout the history of art. From churches and industries to museums and the streets, they adorn banal surfaces and transfigure the everyday experience. Swathes of color and larger than life narratives can momentarily transform the passerby into an active viewer. Murals can communicate resistance, celebrate diversity, or simply portray imagery of beauty or commonplace.

Over time, the movement of street art has helped to push graffiti, public painting, and unorthodox forms of mixed media into and beyond the contemporary fine art realm. Entire cities are strewn with massive artworks, and are sometimes even taken over by street art festivals. Artists throughout the global network depict stories, text, ideas, feelings, and messages that carry social and political weight. As an international art movement, a multitude of cultures have trans-historically contributed to the evolution of Street Art. This outdoor mural class explores the history of murals, discusses legal and social issues, looks at the vast array of styles, and learns processes of mural making.

The class will spend time working through all stages of process to acquire necessary permits and permissions for mural making. The first half of the term will focus on sketching ideas, acquiring materials, and engaging with multiple large-scale painting strategies. Collaboration will be emphasized, and group discussions shall be frequent. Students will also be given assignments to wander their own city neighborhoods and photograph public murals that help to bring color and unique ideas to the urban landscape. The second half of the term primarily concentrates on students painting their murals on approved wall/s, and will add in an optional Saturday session for painting.

Prerequisite: Basic painting experience helpful but not necessary.

SUPPLIES:

-Sketchbook