"The Last Art College" - Summary

"The Last Art College" by Garry Neill Kennedy offers a fascinating look into the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) during its most influential years from 1968 to 1978. This book captures the essence of a small art college that became a pivotal center for art education and postminimalist and conceptual art. Through detailed accounts of gallery openings, dance performances, visiting lectures, and classroom projects, Kennedy provides a rich historical and visual narrative. The book is special because it documents the contributions of renowned artists and faculty members who redefined art education and influenced the art world far beyond Halifax. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art and the innovative spirit that drove NSCAD's success.

Key Themes

1. Innovative Art Education: The Last Art College highlights how NSCAD redefined art education through unorthodox experiments and rich human resources. The college's approach to teaching and learning was groundbreaking, fostering creativity and critical thinking among students and faculty alike. This theme underscores the importance of innovative educational practices in shaping the future of art.

2. Influential Artists and Faculty: The book features a partial list of visiting artists and faculty members, including Joseph Beuys, Sol LeWitt, and Gerhard Richter, who played a significant role in NSCAD's development. Their contributions and interactions with students and other artists created a vibrant and dynamic environment that pushed the boundaries of contemporary art. This theme emphasizes the impact of influential figures in nurturing artistic talent and innovation.

3. Cultural and Artistic Impact: The Last Art College documents the cultural and artistic impact of NSCAD on the broader art world. From the NSCAD Press publishing works by notable artists to the Lithography Workshop producing early works by today's masters, the college's activities had far-reaching effects. This theme highlights the significance of NSCAD's contributions to the art community and its lasting legacy in the field of contemporary art.

FAQs

1. What is the main focus of "The Last Art College"? "The Last Art College" primarily focuses on the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) during its most influential years from 1968 to 1978, highlighting its innovative approach to art education and its impact on contemporary art.
2. Who are some of the notable artists and faculty members mentioned in "The Last Art College"? The book features renowned artists and faculty members such as Joseph Beuys, Sol LeWitt, and Gerhard Richter, who significantly contributed to NSCAD's development and the broader art world.
3. What makes NSCAD's approach to art education unique as described in "The Last Art College"? NSCAD's approach to art education was groundbreaking due to its unorthodox experiments and rich human resources, fostering creativity and critical thinking among students and faculty, which is thoroughly documented in "The Last Art College."
4. How does "The Last Art College" illustrate the cultural and artistic impact of NSCAD? "The Last Art College" documents NSCAD's cultural and artistic impact through its various activities, such as the NSCAD Press and the Lithography Workshop, which had far-reaching effects on the art community and contributed to its lasting legacy.
5. Why is "The Last Art College" considered a must-read for those interested in contemporary art? "The Last Art College" is considered essential reading for those interested in contemporary art because it provides a rich historical and visual narrative of NSCAD's innovative spirit and its significant contributions to the evolution of contemporary art.