The Bachelor of Contemporary Arts (Honours) is designed to be taken as a fourth-year of study after completion of a relevant three-year undergraduate degree, and can be studied full-time for one year or part-time over two years. The Honours course gives you the opportunity to study at advanced, research training level in either theatre, contemporary music, two-dimensional studies, three-dimensional studies or theory. It provides specialised experience in visual arts studios or performing arts study, in the context of a challenging theoretical program.
Some Current BCA (Honours) Projects
"The shy insecure guy stands in the darkest corner of the party hanging his head low, arms crossed protecting himself from confrontation. He wants to be noticed buy ironically avoids contact. People come over to talk; it's short but polite. Trying to escape this awkward moment, his body is agitated and pointing to the nearest exit. Looking beyond heenvies the confident intereaction, and yearns for this to stand up with conviction and be full of self esteem. My exploration is based on the subject of self-esteem, concentrating on body language in the social environment through integration and interaction, including the physical reaction when confronted with engaging circumstances."
Evan Willams
" There are behavioural variances to consider in body language. The demeanour or temperament can be reflected through body language, which can define the character and state of mind. The way people conduct themselves when subjected to a variety of social circumstances that can also reveal the nature of the individual."
"I will be producing a body of painted works. I will not be appealing to a theory, theme or overarching concept that provides impetus for the act of painting. Instead, I will come to understand my painting process theoretically through hands on interaction with my medium. I will examine the performative act itself as well as the type of thinking that might be involved. My investigation will be conducted with a view to determining the means by which one attains such knowledge. Finally, I will consider the possible reasons for the difficulties I encounter when attempting to discuss my arts practice. "
Mairi Ward
" I am interested in the accumulation of embodied knowledge, the ways in which interaction with my medium shapes me as an art-maker. "
"My honours project in 2008 will predominately consist of three-dimensional ceramic forms that reflect my notion that modern technologies have and continue to have an impact on the way in which I perceive the agricultural landscape. The primary focus that I am interested in exploring in my ceramic arts practice is the shift in perception that comes about through the use of new technology and its affect on the aesthetic appreciation of the landscape."
Sonja Brough
"The use of linear forms in my work correlates to fence and plough lines found within the agricultural landscape, a representation of the movements of man, machine and my individual imaginative response to my surroundings. I will be creating and manipulating these linear forms using modern ceramic techniques.
This project will look at female undergarments from the Victorian era, in particular, the corset, as a garment for re-shaping and restricting the female form and as an aid to sexual attraction. Whilst some women wore undergarments that provided little concealment and minimal support, others virtually controlled the body from neck to knee. Some female undergarments were unadorned whilst others were quite decorative. These observations made me wonder why some women go to such lengths and discomfort in order to achieve a certain look. Some 30 years later fashion studies added to this fascination, especially the nipped in waistlines.
Cheryl Houghton
An undercover investigation based on female foundations in the 19th century.
In this project I utilise contrasting materials, including metals, fabric woven from nylon line and wire, rubber and plastic to show the use of the garment to control the body and at the same time present as a pretty undergarment.
