Photograph New York Coastal

Semester and Year	SU 2011
Course Number	ARTS-UG1481
Section	001
Instructor	Jeff Day
Days	Mon,Wed
Time	5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Units	4.0
Level	U
Foundation Requirement

Notes/Restrictions

Session I: May 23-July 1.

Description

Down by the water’s edge we find the color contrast delineating wet and dry to the rhythm of nature’s tidal flux. The ebb relinquishes 12 hours of waterborne mystery; the flow’s 12 hours blanket refreshes the shore’s human impositions. New York City’s 578 coastal miles inspire this photographic documentary workshop to explore ongoing changes in commercial development, social recreation and environmental climate. The gradual cleansing of New York City waterways has encouraged neighborhood communities to revive their historical, artistic, and literary traditions along shorelines once occupied by industry. Now attracting vibrant cultural, educational and tourist activity, New York City coastal communities are again looking at the water, seeking inspiration in its beauty. Embarking on a photographic project of their design, students will develop their own personal viewpoint on society’s relationship to New York waterlines. How are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx redesigning their coasts to increase public space, support green energy and foster social, historical and environmental awareness? As they document the past, present and future from the waterline to two blocks inland, students will create their position as photographers: they will determine their own perception (vantage point, angle, point of view, framing) and establish a particular relationship with the audience (through scale, rhythm sequence, position, color). Classes will offer technical instruction, critiques of student work, visual analysis and discussions with invited artists, and will be highly collaborative. Open to highly motivated students with or without experience in documentary photography; digital or film cameras welcome.

Course Type

Arts Workshops (ARTS-UG)