This course introduces students to basic techniques for making textiles-based images, objects and surfaces in a contemporary art context. Set projects enable experimentation and lead to proficiency in topic specific material processes. Each set project also provides an access point towards understanding how textiles entangle histories, geographies, trade, culture and science. Through seminars, guided research and critique students will begin to connect their own studio investigations and outcomes with relevant contemporary textiles, along with broader art-related, theory and practice. Work health and safety instruction is an integral component of this course.
Students may complete this course twice for a maximum credit value of 12 units, provided they enrol in a different topic in each instance/semester. Please note that the course content, assessment structure, and reading list will change depending on the topic and the expertise of the lecturer convening the course. Please refer to the class summary for the specific term in which you wish to enrol for a detailed description.
Topics may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pattern Making: repeat methods and fabric assemblage
The course introduces students to various forms of pattern making from imprinted repeat imagery (for example, batik stamps) to the assemblage of three-dimensional cloth forms. Patterns are fundamental to how we communicate, interpret and fabricate. Students will explore the cultural, biological and cognitive significance of patterns, connecting textiles to broader themes. Through set projects, lectures and discussion students will learn key skills in iterative design, textiles techniques and critical inquiry.
- Woven Worlds: interlaced structures and surfaces
This course introduces students to the material and conceptual processes of weaving. In tandem with learning different techniques, students will explore the significant role that weaving has played in global trade, industry and technology. Lectures, discussions and set projects will support students as they come to understand the construction and systems of the world through weaving and begin to situate contemporary textiles in larger cultural and historical narratives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- identify and use basic techniques and principles appropriate to textiles;
- employ safe and professional studio work processes using the specialised equipment;
- explore and evaluate the creative possibilities of materials and techniques in response to set projects; and
- develop works that respond to contemporary textile theories and art practices.
Other Information
School of Art & Design studio courses have a limited enrolment capacity. Students are advised to enrol as early as possible to maximise the opportunity of securing a place.
This course will have a Materials Fee. At the ANU School of Art & Design, each workshop sources appropriate specialist?materials,?which are made available to students?to facilitate their working?effectively,?efficiently and safely?within our programs. The School of Art & Design is able to supply materials that don’t compromise ANU obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS), and that have been assessed as suitable for each course. The Materials Fee ?is payable for the School of Art & Design to supply consumables and materials that become your physical property. You can choose to pay the Materials Fee and have these materials supplied to you through the School of Art & Design, allowing you to take advantage of the GST-free bulk purchasing power of the ANU.?These materials are also WHS compliant. The exact cost of the Materials Fee will be updated in the Class Summary for each semester in which the course is offered. The full SOAD policy can be read here: https://soad.cass.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees
Indicative Assessment
- Technical proficiency and safe workflow log (15) [LO 1,2]
- Project suite 1: development and outcomes (20) [LO 1,3,4]
- Project suite 2: development and outcomes (40) [LO 1,3,4]
- Topic Evaluation, equivalent to 1200 words (may include visual diary, written reflection and/or presentation) (25) [LO 3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 48 hours of contact over 12 weeks: lectures, tutorials, critiques and supervised studio practice; and
b) 82 hours of independent studio practice, reading, writing and active research engagement (gallery visits, scoping sites, public observation etc.)
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
As listed on Wattle
Assumed Knowledge
ARTV1950 Textiles 1 (Topic 1: Pattern Making: repeat methods & fabric assemblage) and ARTV1751 Planographic Print 1 (Topic 1: Introduction to Screenprinting) are an excellent combination to complete in preparation for ARTV2751 Planographic Print 2 (Topic 1: Advanced Screenprinting) in which you can incorporate textiles-based media.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 12
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4020 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woven Worlds: interlaced structures and surfaces | ||||||
| 3989 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pattern Making: repeat methods and fabric assembla | ||||||
| 9020 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |