Adrienne Kochman

This course investigates artistic expressions of national consciousness, modernism, ukrainizatsia of the 1920s and the Boychukysty, primitive and decorative folk painting, non-conformism, Socialist Realism, and contemporary art. Historical, political, and socioeconomic contexts will be addressed throughout the class, as will Ukraine's relationship with other European artistic centers, and their developments. Issues related to recovered art history, colonization and artistic training; national identity and oppressed regimes; and the role of the diaspora will be included throughout. Translations of documents will be provided.

Utilizing artwork from UIMA's permanent collection, students develop an exhibition from start to finish. What considerations do curators make in developing a concept to it's fruition as a physical exhibit? How is the insitutional mission considered; how do curatorial decisions to include specific artists, works, artifacts, shape narratives and what are those consequences? For whom is the exhibtion curated - the general public, art dealers, educators, etc.? The arrangement of objects in the gallery, displayed texts, talks, tours, artist workshops, etc. are all impacted.
UIMAs collection is comprised of about 1200 works from Ukrainian identified and Chicago artists, from the late 20th c through the present. Holdings will be studied and discussed. What ideas might be generated, which of those ideas can be realized as an exhibition? Installation strategies, building conditions, insurance, marketing issues, working within a limited budget, working with living artists are covered topics, among others.
Working as a group, students will develop an exhibition of their own, taking it from concept to installation, to the opening. The course culminates in a final critique of the exhibition.
As a practicum, all classes meet at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave.