The Course: Creative Practices in Social Media

I created the course Creative Practices in Social Media for New Media and Design. This course is responsive to our expanding media and digital environment of social media.

Through the lens of contemporary art, student critically examine the pervasive impact of social media on culture since 2001. Students gain media literacy by creating and publishing content on various social platforms. Student also learn to critically analyze the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of social media projects by developing brand identities and engaging audiences through digital storytelling.

The Project: Remaking of the Student Lounge

As a group project, students in this class were challenged to form an artist collective, create a public identity for social media, and remake their student lounge. As a group of individuals with a shared goal, this process challenged us to work together in democratic ways.

This document outlines the project's development from September 21st-Dec 8th, 2021. 

Student Lounge: Before Class Project

Image of Student Lounge 2011-2021

This Student Lounge is on the second floor of the Gatewood Studio Arts Bldg. Originally the space was designed by an outside design agency. However, over the years it has been neglected and divested in by the School of Art.

From conversation with students, I became aware of the necessity of this space. For many, this is the only space they have between classes to rest, eat, and connect with other students. This is the only social space in the building that is not a course studio, lab, or classroom.

In this photo you can see two students uncomfortably using the lounge. The space is awkward and unpleasant. The lighting is harsh and not relaxing in any way.

A Collective Approach

Art collectives have an immense impact on contemporary art and art history. The impact of art collectives are also intertwined with social and political movements. However, I am not aware of any studio art courses, here at UNCG or elsewhere, that explore art collectives. Art History courses may research collectives, but to enact and emulate art collectives as a method of practice and course structure is unusual.

The conventional model within institutions is to teach and promote the values and habits of individual “do it alone” art practices. Artists operating alone is a perpetuated myth easily commodifiable by capitalist values and a merit-based professionalization of art.

Art with political and cultural impact is social. Ideas and movements are generated from communities through the exchange of ideas, chance, accident, pressure, collaboration, and context.

When students explore art as a social and participatory, they practice democratic habits, values, and ways of associating with others.