Introduction to the Visual Arts
An MIT OpenCourseWare studio class introducing students to contemporary art practices and ideas. The course opens with a short survey of visual language, looking at a range of artworks to discuss basic concepts of artistic practice, then moves into an extended exploration of the real and unreal across different mediums. Students work directly in video, sculpture, and public space installations, building projects that test how those materials can represent or distort reality. Materials include the course syllabus, assignment briefs, and project guidelines as posted by MIT OpenCourseWare, free to access for self-study. There is no certificate attached. The course suits beginners with no prior studio art background who want a hands-on introduction to contemporary art making rather than art history lecture.