BART 97A94 - Feminist Graphic Design

The workshop offers a critical exploration of graphic art, highlighting the political ideologies (patriarchal and colonial) that have shaped how we see and represent. The teaching of graphic rules is accompanied by a deconstruction of the political assumptions underlying them, enabling students to become aware of the cultural meanings behind the techniques and aesthetic norms they use. Following the example of artists who have sought to move beyond academic methods, students are encouraged to develop a reflective and inventive practice.

In the second part of the semester, students are guided in creating a graphic work on the feminist issue of their choice. This approach focuses on personal expression: it is about constructing an artwork based on stories, images, and issues that resonate with them personally. In other words, it is about starting to make one’s voice heard.

Academic expectations

• Acquire a critical awareness of the political foundations of academic graphic design
• Begin to explore a personal and engaged artistic practice

Session 1. : Introduction to Feminist Graphic Design

Session 2. : Deconstruction of Morphology

Exercise: Morphology (sketches from models and photographies) - pencils

Session 3. : Speaking Postures

Exercise: Speaking Postures (quick sketches from models and photographies) - ink and paint

Session 4. : Archetypes

Exercise: the feminine archetypes - the synthesis in graphic art - colours

Session 5. : Spaces Beyond the Eye

Exercise1: Drawing in perspective - pencil

Exercise2: Sensitive maps - colours

Session 6. : A Sensitive Body

Exercise: Self-portrait - free technique

Session 7. : Type Design

Exercise: Designing a poster - Canva (on computer)

Session 8. : Final Artwork : Introduction

Session 9. : Final Artwork : Stories

Session 10. : Final Artwork : Figures

Session 11. : Final Artwork : Layout

Delivery of the final artwork at the end of the session

Session 12. : General debrief and conclusion on feminist graphic design

• Final Artwork (individual grade) – 70% of final grade

Throughout the second part of the semester, you will have to produce a graphic artwork on a choosen issue.

• Five exercises (individual grade) : Morphology, Speaking Postures, Archetypes, Spaces, Sensitive Body – 20% of final grade
• Participation (individual grade) – 10% of final grade

Late work policy

Little malus on the grade (-0,5).

Late arrival policy

You will join the ongoing exercise.