For this Term Project you are required to write an Expository Essay, which is a type of essay that requires you to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. In 1,500 -2,000 words your essay will compare two eco-artists that are working on the same environmental art topic. The objective of this Term Project assignment is to analyze the major question of the course which is,
In what ways can art effect change?
You will address this objective by designing an argument in your essay on how and why two artists, that you have selected, should collaborate together on an art project. As part of this project you will also create a PowerPoint Presentation illustrating the main points of your essay. (artist you can select from Chris Jordan, Mel Chin,Olafur Eliasson, Simon Starling,Tue Greenfort,Marina Zurkow,Zaria Forman,Hans Haacke,Gerda Steiner and Jorg Lenzlinger,Herbert Beyer,Bright Ugochukwu Eke,Chu Yun, Pedro Reyes, Reverend Billy Talen,Ron Finley,Bonnie Ora Sherk, Nicole Fournie, HeHe, Helen and Newton Harrison, tomas Saraceno, Michael Mandiberg, Natalie Jeremijenko, Andy Gracie, Diana Thater, Maya Lin, : Fernando Garcia-Dory, Tavares Strachan, SUPERFLEX, Alan Sonfist,Melissa Regain, Andy Battaglia, Lamar Clarkson,Lewis Bury)
To get started you will first select an environmental art topic from the list provided below and then select 2 artists. The first artist can be any one found in Modules 1 through 12. The second artist you will select from your own research outside of the course content. Your essay will introduce the topic and the artists to the reader and then discuss the ways that these artists are working in similar ways to effectively creating change. It should conclude with your idea on how and why they should collaborate to make a work of Eco-Art. Unlike a traditional research essay you have the opportunity in your conclusion to BE CREATIVE! So do your best to think up a unique way for these two artists to team up and make an art that makes an impact.
ENVIRONMENTAL ART TOPICS TO SELECT FOR YOUR PROJECT
energy conservation
fossil fuel dependence
energy conservation
land use
rainwater harvesting
alternative energy
deforestation
extinctions
manufacturing protocols
mining
erosion
loss of top soil
waste management
biomimicry
pesticides
urban ecology
genetically modified crops
oil spills
consumerism
monoculture farming
over-harvesting of fish and game
toxic waste
invasive species
water contamination
rights of indigenous peoples
ozone depletion
climate change
loss of habitat
soil contamination
sustainability
free trade
remediation
preservation
urban farming
up-cycling materials
environmental education
species loss
green architecture
WRITING YOUR ESSAY
(Introduction)
In the first paragraph set the stage for the reader.
Introduce the issue and your artists: In this first paragraph, briefly introduce the environmental art topic you will be focusing on. Demonstrate the relevance of this issue by providing research based facts and statistical data. Briefly introduce your artist and then create a thesis statement. A thesis statement identifies the subject you are writing about and your opinion of that subject.
(Body)
Give information about your first artist
Provide some background research on Artist 1 and describe the type of work they do. Identify a work of art by this artist, including title and date. State how this work relates to the environmental topic that you have identified. Remember that this can be any artist that you have learned about in Modules 1 through 12.
(Body)
Give information about your second artist
Provide some background research on Artist 2 and describe the type of work they do. Identify a work of art by this artist, including title and date. State how this work relates to the environmental topic that you have identified. This artist is one you have found while doing your own research outside of class and cannot be found in Modules 1 through 12.
(Body)
Compare and contrast these two artists and artworks
Use specific details when comparing their artistic discipline, materials and strategies they use. Based on your research and analysis share with the reader your personal perspective and evaluate how effective you think these artist are.
(Conclusion)
Give your evaluation
The conclusion paragraph is the place to use a cultural, artistic, or philosophical approach to express your opinion. Make an argument for how and why these two artists should collaborate together on an art project.
Explain your points clearly for the reader and remember… It’s ok to be critical.
ASSIGNMENT FORMATTING, SUBMISSION & GRADING: This Expository Essay should be written in the 3rd person and use Chicago Manual of Style formatting. See the syllabus Appendix C for detailed instructions and tutorials on how to format, submit and re-submit this assignment.
