Looking at contemporary and historical practice as an increasingly important contribution to the Australian cultural, political and economic scene

THE PRACTICE OF MY LE THI

EXTENDED CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY INFORMATION

All of the suggested case study topics feature an emphasis on the artmaking practice of My Le Thi. The many elements of her work, both technical and thematic, allow for concentration on specific areas of interest and different critical approaches.

While My Le Thi is the featured artist for each Case Study, her work need not be treated in isolation. Reference to the many exhibitions she has been involved in; and the collaborative work she has undertaken; allows for tangential developments of these case studies.

1) “On the Margins - Art and Political Comment”
Students will look at how art has been used as a tool for both supporting dominant social and political paradigms, and also as a means of dissent and awareness raising. This Case Study will prepare students to write about the Conceptual Framework and Artist’s Practice, and the Structural Frame.

2) “Displacement – Asian Artists in New Settings”
Students will study how artists from Asia have continued and developed their practice while resident in Australia. They will consider how the reasons for being in Australia, particularly as exiles, can be represented in their artmaking practice. This Case Study will prepare students to write about Artist’s Practice and the Cultural Frame

3) “The Artist as Other”
Students will look at the ways in which “Asian-ness” is manifest, or looked for, in the artmaking of Asian Australian artists. This Case Study will prepare students to write about practice, both through study of artists and curators.

4) “Acculturation" - The process of borrowing between cultures, marked by the continuous transmission of elements and traits between different peoples and resulting in new and blended patterns.”
Students will look at traditional Asian art practices, focusing on the art of one or more countries in Asia. They will research elements of this traditional knowledge, aesthetic, and technique in the work of Asian Australian artists and consider how an ongoing dialogue with Asia is integral to their practice. This Case Study will prepare students to write about The Frames; with emphasis on the Cultural and Postmodern Frames.