Sculpture

Arte Povera – Sculpture amidst Covid-19

Course Times & Enrolment

March 23, 2020 to April 17, 2020 – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday via Google Meet

Course Summary

Arte Povera - the Italian phrase for "poor art" or "impoverished art" - was one of the most significant
and influential avant-garde movements to emerge in Southern Europe in the late 1960s. It included the
work of around a dozen Italian artists whose most distinctly recognizable trait was their use of
commonplace materials that evoked a pre-industrial age, such as earth, rocks, clothing, paper and
rope: literally 'poor' or cheap materials that they repurposed for their practice.1

Introducing the core concepts of 3D fine art, this course aims to develop an understanding of
contemporary sculptural practices. Referencing sculptural techniques from Arte Povera, a radical
Italian art movement from the late 1960, to the present day; you will investigate the use of materials
and examine ideas of form. You will be encouraged to explore relationships between a wide range of
found, recycled or other materials to conceive, create a range of sculptural forms or installations.

Course Details

Material you will need:

 Your sketch book and pencils

 Camera to document work (both phone and/or slr/dslr pictures taken with clarity will suffice).
 You will be encouraged to provide a range of your own materials for experimentation and/or for
developing a personal project. These could include materials found, recycled or improvised from
your home and surroundings.

Content of Course

The course will cover:

 Introduction to key concepts within contemporary sculpture with specific focus on Arte Povera.
 Research, exploration and discussions on contemporary sculptors and their works to enhance
the skill of visual literacy
 Identifying key artists in today’s global art world and the central themes addressed in their work.
 Combinations of various materials and assemblages. Working with found, ready-made and
recovered objects;
 Looking at place, in relation to the outdoor context and contemporary issues.
 Experimenting with personal ideas and materials.
 Creating personal projects incorporating contextual references

1
The Art History: Movements, Art Povera. https://www.theartstory.org/movement/arte-povera/
Teaching method(s)
This course will be directed via google meet. Process of joining has been explained prior to the
sharing of this outline and will be briefly revised in the email again. Each student is required to
participate in the individual and group discussions moderate by the tutor about the given topic. The
course is a pilot project and requires active feedback and attendance for it to progress further.
Students will be required to research, read, draw, and play with forms around them to create
sculptural installations with limited resources. The materials (found, recycled or upcycled objects)
and their selection will be made in discussion with the tutor.

Timeline Learning outcomes

Week 1 RESEARCH
Experiment with a range of materials and explore form and space, through
demonstrations, group discussion and individually.
Week 2 PRACTICE
Demonstrate an informed understanding of sculpture in the contemporary as a
basis for creating a personal response.
Week 3 – 4 PRESENT
Create a range of personal sculptural forms, with accompanying sketchbooks,
photos and contextual relevance as a considered project.

Sources
Readings:

 Arte Povera – Presentation on the art form arte povera

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/264712346/Arte-Povera
 Arte Povera
https://www.scribd.com/document/171905565/Arte-Povera
 Politics of Arte Povera - NICHOLAS CULLINAN
https://www.scribd.com/document/258130433/Politics-of-Arte-Povera
 Poor Art I Arte Povera Italian Influences British Responses http://www.stephenelson.com/wp-
content/uploads/2018/11/176244_Estorick-Collection_Poor-Art-Arte-Povera_spreads_v9.pdf

Web Sources

 Sotheby’s: Arte Povera: 7 Things You Need to Know https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/arte-

povera-7-things-you-need-to-know
 arte povera : https://www.theartstory.org/movement/arte-povera/
 Flash Art: Arte Povera By Germano Celant : https://flash---art.com/article/arte-povera/
 Widewalls: Arte Povera - The Highlight of Italian Minimalism: https://www.widewalls.ch/arte-
povera-italian-minimalism/
 Art Term : Arte povera: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/a/arte-povera

Assessment: 35% participation in discussion and research, 35% sketchbook, documentation and
placement of ideas, 30% presentation of varying sculptural installations.
Mid-course and final assessments will consider all three of the above to ensure passing grades.

Further questions can be directed to hira.khan1919@gmail.com .

Thank you.