The objective of this course is to facilitate the development of a strong studio practice in preparation for active participation within the spheres of contemporary art and its discourses.
Studio Meetings: One-on-one meetings between the student and the Sculpture graduate faculty, visiting artists, or visiting critics are scheduled throughout the two years of MFA studies. These meetings provide an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the conceptual, formal, technical, historical, philosophical, and cultural implications of the student’s studio production.
Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Internationally recognized contemporary artists are regularly invited to deliver public lectures and to conduct studio visits with graduate students. The visiting artist lecture series plays a crucial role in connecting students with the professional art world.
Group Critique: Core faculty and peer MFA Sculpture students gather regularly to discuss the work of one student. Students analyze the work, finding strengths and weaknesses, applying various modes of interpretation, raising issues concerning contemporary art, while noting relevant historical, theoretical and cultural references. Faculty guide the students in questioning the relationship between art and meaning, and how their practices address or confront discourse in contemporary art.
Film Series: During one semester per academic year, the MFA Sculpture program hosts a film screening series. Films are curated across genres, from arthouse to mainstream, in response to a particular theme. Each session consists of the screening of a feature-length film, followed by a set of related art film and video clips, and concluding with a group discussion.
Field Trips: Throughout the academic year, there are multiple field trips to museums, galleries, artist-run spaces and private foundations in Boston and the Northeast. Once a year, students can participate in a longer field trip to gain greater exposure to different art cultures. These longer trips include visits to various art institutions, alternative spaces and artist studios. Recent trips have included Marfa, Texas and Los Angeles, California.
Graduate Seminar
A reading and discussion seminar, the topic of this course changes each semester with the objective of building and expanding students’ grasp of the language of art theory and art history. This course encourages a content-based discussion of the readings, as well as critical analysis of the complex issues surrounding contemporary art.
Elective Courses
A minimum of three elective courses are required. In addition to studio electives within the School of Visual Arts, students can take advantage of a variety of courses offered throughout the various other schools and colleges within Boston University. Students are encouraged to enroll in Post-War and Contemporary Art History courses designed specifically for MFA students.
