AHI 450 SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF TASTE
An exploration of the social construction of taste and the cultural boundaries between "good" and "bad" art. How are preferences in art and visual culture influenced by community, class, education, politics, gender and global media trends? What is meant by designations such as "high" and "low" art, "offensive" or "artistic" and who is empowered to make these distinctions? How does "bad art" reveal the ideological basis of taste, and what is its relationship to "legitimate" art forms? Readings are drawn from art history, anthropology, sociology, film and media studies. Topics examined include kitsch, souvenirs, "academic" painting, postcards, taxidermy, black velvet paintings, "thrift store" art, paint-by-number, art made by serial killers, trash cinema, bad music and bad food.
Registration Restrictions
Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
Enrollment Limit
Enrollment limited to 15 students.
Attributes
MOIB, MOIE, SDP, W