Course Description
The course is designed to give a wide perspective of terms and practices in art and visual culture regarding concepts of originality and replication. It will present multidisciplinary and cross-cultural framework of the study engaged by various scientific and art object as case studies.
The historical framework will be addresses widely, from the concept of originality and replication in Antiquity, following with the numerous medieval copying practices towards Renaissance, Romanticism and later on time of industrialism, finishing up with the contemporary thoughts of artistic practices. The agenda of the course will be planed and provided by a critical investigation constituted by the theoretical work, making an extensive insight into the present practices of art replication.
Language of teaching will be primarily in English. Essays will be accepted in English and Finnish.
Study points: 5 credits
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course participants will:
- become familiar with the evolutional changes of concept of originality
- become familiar with the variety of replication processes and their origins; necessity of art replication practices
- become familiar with the variety of material, visual and written sources, available to support the research on this subject matter
- become aware of the current practices and researches regarding the authenticity of the artworks and knowledge what can be gained by studying their copies, replicas or simulations
- gain experience in reading theoretical material with direct relevance to the subject matter and the field of art history
- gain experience in research field and use wide range of skills in work on a specific theme or material; selecting, evaluating and applying suitable methodology to the object of study
- present work orally and in written form (through workshop practice and essay writing)
Course Schedule
General information: course will take place at IV period of academic year, the class will meet weekly on Mondays, from 2-4pm, course starts on 4th of March and ends on 6th of May (total duration per session: 2 hours; per period: 20 hours); exam date: 14th of May. Place: Minerva – 3rd floor, room E325; Kaivokatu 12, Turku. Total number of participants: 25 students. Absence: it is allowed to be absent twice during the course period.
Certain sessions will take part at the museums in Turku while for some sessions we will have visiting professor or other experts from the fields of art history, conservation and restoration due to the theme of the session.
Evaluation
The course will be evaluated by essay writing (2000-3000 words, line spacing: 1.5; font: Times New Roman; font size: 12). The deadline for submission is 14th of May.
Readings and Course Outline
For the essay writing choosing minimum three sources from the list. The list will be given at the first lecture.
Additional Information
Course Plan:
1. Introduction to the course, general outline. Historical aspect of originality and practices of copying – framing the debate
2. Originality I – originality, authenticity and uniqueness
3. Originality II – multiple originals
4. Concepts of nonoriginality I – differences between terms regarding replicating processes
5. Concepts of nonoriginality II – copy, replica, forgery, imitation, quote, facsimile, paraphrases, plagiat, rhetorics, simulations, montage, illusions
6. Replication in various disciplines I – concept of a copy as a ground of culture
7. Replication in various disciplines II – archaeology, conservation and museum practice
8. Replication in various disciplines III – research; art, media, cultural heritage
9. Contemporary view of originality and multiples
10. Summarizing the course, conclusions
Visiting lecturers:
18th of March - Prof. Altti Kuusamo
3rd of April – Prof. Jussi-Pekka Taavitsainen
15th of April – Prof. Sirkku Pihlman and Sandor Valy
29th of April – Prof. Jukka Sihvonen
- Teacher: Natasha Skult