Abstract :
This article is on the culture of conversation in the
studio art classroom. What can be assumed as
simple pedagogical acts, talking to one another,
become increasingly complex in the context of
postmodernism. Breakdowns in perceived
truths, agreed-upon styles, and monoculturalism
demand that conversation is looked at in a metasense
– what is it? what skills, values and
agendas do we bring to the process? This work
includes reflections on a multiyear field study
conducted in New York City studio classrooms.
Exemplary professors of art, such as the ones
studied, practise conversation through an awareness
of their position/biases, being pluralistic and
practising authenticity. A history of conversation
in schools of art is included to demonstrate historical
continuity of artists and art students in
conversation. Finally, ways to invest in the act of
conversation, such as bracketing the time and
space for the act in the classroom, are suggested.
