steve ross

I am a first year art student. Could the community give me guidance on how I can confidently aquire knowledge of the current debates within contemporary art practice. I am reading Themes in Contemporary Art, ed G.Parry et al., and spending a week in New York to visit the famous art galleries, but can I do more?

dcardillo

Good question...is your question related to understanding contemporary art from an art historical/theoretical point of view, or are you a studio art major trying to figure out how to proceed with your own art in relation to what is going on currently in contemporary art?

Duncan

steve ross

Thanks for responding. Yes, my main interest is making fine art. Some subjects have been hotly debated, such as your own Judy Chicago and Feminism; but I am interested in subjects which are active now and where the art and artists are reflecting these.For example, globalisation is a hot topic, so where are the debaters and artists now working at this. Here, in England, I want to be involved, entering the debates, producing art which is up-to-date. Hence, I need to know how to proceed in finding out where it is happening.

dcardillo

Read contemporary art publications; from the UK is the excellent magazine "Modern Painters." Also publications like "ArtNews." Read art journals that feature in-depth, scholarly essays on contemporary art, such as Leonardo, The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism, etc.; some are online, some require a subscription.

Rather than focusing on "hot topics" in order to feel like you're doing something that is "relevant" in relation to contemporary art, why not look at what is around you and the events of everyday life and your own experiences as the source of your art. Just a thought.

Duncan

steve ross

Duncan, thanks. I shall work through all your suggestions in hot pursuit after returning from New York, and come to think of it, whilst in N.Y.