Contemporary Art Practice
4 Year Undergraduate Program (Award: BFA)

The Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) program stimulates and nurtures the creative force and artistic curiosity that resides in every individual. Its goal is to enable the student to enter the field of art practice through an interdisciplinary approach.

In the program, the student explores specific media forms as well as non-media forms like drawing, painting, textiles, photography, sculpture, digital computing, coding, film, sound, and performance, along with exposure to science, technology, craft, public art and curatorial practices. This program provides a vibrant context that encourages critical thinking through making, dialogue, collaboration and community interaction.

The curriculum comprises different ways of learning as follows:

1. 1. Foundation introduces students to basic principles and tools of Art, Design and Technology as methods, tools and processes. Read more >>
   2. Disciplinary Studios are learning spaces where students develop core disciplinary capabilities while navigating a trans-disciplinary environment.
   3. General Studies is a common and compulsory programme of study that integrates Humanities, Sciences, Maths, business and finance. Development and Policy Studies and also offers Languages (Spanish, French and German). Read more >>
   4. Interim is an immersive introduction to practice in new and emerging areas of art and design and environmental exposure.
   5. Electives are of three kinds. This program allows students to expand their skills, develop their interests, and provide opportunities for travel exchange.
   6. Internship/Apprenticeship is compulsory work experience done over the summer break between the 6th and 7th semester
   7. Project based learning involves the application and synthesis of capabilities acquired. Two projects, pre-thesis and thesis, are the culmination of the 4-year undergraduate program, which allows for the demonstration of an integration of values, positions, capabilities and practice. Read more >>

Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will have developed the following capabilities:

• Understanding the inherent nature of a variety of media and using them effectively.
• Develop skills in visual, sonic and spatial languages.
• Develop critical thinking skills in material culture and society.
• Develop lateral thinking by engaging in multi-disciplinary ways.
• To think and work using metaphors, signs and symbols to create diverse interventions and meaning.
• Understanding Art worlds across cultures to position oneself and one’s practice.
• Able to engage in individual, collaborative and participative artwork.
• Developing an expansive art practice through curating art experiences and exhibitions.
• Understanding historical theory, and contexts and finding roots to base work upon in contemporary times.

What is Contemporary Art Practice?

Contemporary Art Practice involves creating and exhibiting art that reflects the present day, using mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and new media. It engages with contemporary social and cultural issues and is distinguished by its focus on innovation and experimentation. As it evolves and changes, contemporary art represents the art of our time.

What does the program in Contemporary Art Practice do?

Our intention is to expose the student to the field of Contemporary Art. The learning units combine contemporary theoretical discourses in the arts and studio practices. This includes, but is not limited to, traditional mediums, like drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, and extends to new media, sound, live contexts and public art. The program seeks to enable students to shape their creative practice as artists. It is facilitated through interactions with practicing artists and practitioners from disciplines such as visual communication, product design, film, animation, etc. We at SMI encourage an interdisciplinary approach towards the practice of contemporary art.

Is this course suitable for me?

This course is suitable for individuals who are passionate about creating and exhibiting art that reflects the present day and exploring a range of mediums and styles, engaging with contemporary social and cultural issues, innovation and experimentation, and working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.

What opportunities do I have after completing this course?

The capability sets equip and prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities :

• In contemporary art as artists, curators, researchers, and visual storytellers.
• In cultural and creative industries like museums, galleries, art fairs and social organisations.
• In the media industry,  like animation and advertising, and in the film industry as graphic artists, visualisers, creative directors and scenographers.
• In the sphere of education as an artist-teacher and curriculum builder in emerging pedagogies.
• As art therapists.
• Leading to specialised fields like art history and theory, curation, and arts management.