Taught by kara lynch and Javiera Benavente
This course will focus on installation and performance in conversation with diverse media and the local ecosystem. The thematic focus of the seminar will critically engage in the question: How can we create a sustainable environment in which to pursue and create artistic, agricultural, ecological, and socio-economic equity? Aware of our daily investments in settler-colonialism, how will we in our practices steward this land with seven generations at the forefront? As a class we will draft a mission statement and plans of action through installation to approach these questions. This hands-on, project based course will look at relationships built between artists, activists, agriculturalists, and communities to build a sustainable past, present, and future. We will collaborate with Hampshire’s own Farm Center as well as forge lasting relationship with local artists, farmers, community organizers, and environmentalists and research national and international initiatives that meet and inspire our mission and action plan. This course will introduce students to a variety of visual art media and time-based art production. We will also participate in the fall harvest at the Farm Center. This course is ideal for students interested in art, agriculture, collaboration, and community engagement and willing to put in a few hours of farm work each week.