Fall 2020: Notes on Screens and Selves

This Summer, A&L’s staff, taking in the fact that we would be working online for the year ahead and dispersed from our lovely home in 15 West …

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took a good look at how we do things. We were grateful that while we couldn’t host students for collective writing events or cozy v.1 readings, our core work, one-to-one tutoring …

is remarkably resilient and transferable to an online space. Working one-to-one on a writing, speaking, or visual project in Zoom even has special benefits—from shared Google-doc editing or access to one’s own bookshelves or artwork to a certain kind of focused intimacy. It’s not that we won’t miss our physical togetherness while we’re visiting each other on screens, but we feel lucky that the essence of peer tutoring—two unique minds and selves meeting and thinking together—can be as constructive and meaningful as ever.

There’s one more big change we are about to make that you might notice: We’re reorganizing and expanding our handouts, videos, and links to allow for more topic-focused independent learning. Check out the link on our home page to A&L’s Resource Guides.

As you meet with tutors and access our resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out with feedback, suggestions, or questions. We are “here” for you, in our virtual office (see link on home page), every weekday, and always available by e-mail (artsandlanguage@risd.edu or jliese@risd.edu).

Formal Description: How and Why To

From one of our favorite artist-writers—thank you, Greg Allen, for your treasure of a blog, greg.org—comes an object lesson in formal description that suggests how looking, really looking, with the closest attention, is an act of respect and love, and helps us imagine what we want and need to see next.

Read Greg’s review of Muriel Bowser’s Black Lives Matter here.

The Center for Experimental Lectures Presents ...

A&L is thrilled to spread the word about a series of three lecture-performances that starts this week.

Programmed by the Center for Experimental Lectures (CEL), the series will feature new work by Pablo Helguera (May 7), Naama Tsabar (May 12), and Carissa Rodriguez (May 19).

CEL was started in 2011 by artist Gordon Hall, a 2019-2020 RISD Provost Fellow in the Sculpture Department, and has since commissioned 40 new lecture-performances at venues including Recess, MoMA PS1, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Artists Space, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

These three new pieces are site-specific to the internet, using a variety of online presentation platforms, and have been developed throughout the spring with RISD students in Hall’s course "Talking Is Dancing: Lecture-Performance As Form."

Pablo Helguera: Thursday May 7, 5 pm

Pablo Helguera Zoom link: https://risd.zoom.us/j/6715673877

Naama Tsabar: Tuesday May 12, 5 pm

Carissa Rodriguez: Tuesday May 19, 5 pm

All times Eastern Standard Time. 

Pablo Helguera (b. 1971, Mexico City) is a visual artist living in New York City. His work involves performance, drawing, installation, theater and other literary strategies. He is often considered a pioneering figure in the field of socially engaged art. His work has been featured at many international biennials including Manifesta, Havana and Liverpool Biennial, and Performa. He has received the Guggenheim and Creative Capital Fellowships as well as the first International Award of Participatory Art in Bologna, Italy.  Recent projects include a two-person exhibition with artist Suzanne Lacy at the UC Santa Barbara Museum and the 8th Floor in NYC and a mid-career survey of his work at the Jumex Museum in Mexico City. He is the author of many books including Education for Socially Engaged Art (2011) and The Parable Conference (2014).

Naama Tsabar (b. 1982, Israel) lives and works in New York City. She received her MFA from Columbia University in 2010. Solo exhibitions and performances of Tsabar have been presented at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York), Museum of Art and Design (New York), The High Line Art (New York), Nasher Museum (Durham, NC), Kunsthuas Baselland (Switzerland), Palais De Tokyo (Paris), Prospect New Orleans,

Tel Aviv Museum of Art, The Herziliya Museum for Contemporary Art in Israel, MARTE-C (El Salvador), CCA Tel Aviv (Israel), Faena Buenos Aires, Frieze Projects New York, Kasmin Gallery (New York), Paramo Gallery (Guadalajara), Dvir Gallery (Israel), Spinello Projects (Miami) Shulamit Nazarian (Los Angeles). Tsabar’s work has been featured in publications including ArtForum, Art In America, ArtReview, ARTnews, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Frieze, Bomb Magazine, Art Asia Pacific, Wire, and Whitewall, among others.

Carissa Rodriguez (b. 1970, US) lives and works in New York City. Solo exhibitions include the Art Institute of Chicago (2020); the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (2019); MIT List Visual Arts Center, Cambridge (2018); SculptureCenter, New York (2018); CCA Wattis Institute, San Francisco (2016); Front Desk Apparatus, New York (2013); Karma International, Zürich (2012); House of Gaga, Mexico City (2010); New Jersey, Basel (2009). Rodriguez participated in the Whitney Biennial of 2014 and 2019. She received a BA in Literature from Eugene Lang College at the New School, New York in 1994, and attended the Whitney Independent Study Program in 2001. She was a core member of Reena Spaulings Fine Art, New York from 2004 to 2015. She is currently Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Art, Film and Visual Studies at Harvard University.


Quick Tips and Deep Dives

Looking for insights and advice as you approach assignments for the end of the term? We have some resources to recommend:

  • If you’re working on a research paper, check out our research paper video tutorial that guides you through the whole process, from active reading to citation to integrating sources into your writing. 

If you don’t see what you’re looking for or want help applying what you’ve learned, sign up for an appointment on our online schedule: risd.mywconline.com

And don’t miss these other resources RISD staff have created to support you this semester: 

Remote Tutoring Available this Spring

In keeping with RISD’s virus-preventative shift to remote learning this Spring, A&L’s physical doors will be closed for tutoring starting March 15, but student tutors and professional staff will continue to offer tutoring via Zoom conferencing throughout the Spring. Until March 30, please e-mail us at artsandlanguage@risd.edu to make an appointment. Starting on March 30, click on “Make an Appointment.”

In her 2013 book The Faraway Nearby, essayist Rebecca Solnit portrays the deep roots and value of writing and storytelling in helping us make sense of our lives. She drew her title from a phrase in a letter Georgia O’Keeffe wrote when she’d moved from New York to New Mexico. As this public health emergency sends many of us from RISD in different directions for a while, A&L hopes to be a place for storytelling and solace, a “faraway nearby” that eases our temporary separation.

It Was a Dark and Cozy Night

v.1 (volume-1.org) kept Wintersession cozy with a mid-January reading from the Fall issue, along with a special performance by Glory West and assorted fondues. v.1’s Wintersession issue, a riso-printed “interlude,” will be out any day now …

Asher White opens the ceremonies with a reading from v.1’s letter from the editors.

Asher White opens the ceremonies with a reading from v.1’s letter from the editors.

Glory awaits.

Glory awaits.

Glory pulls us in and doesn’t let us go.

Glory pulls us in and doesn’t let us go.

Angela Lobel reads from Ali Dipp’s “Smooth Stones.”

Angela Lobel reads from Ali Dipp’s “Smooth Stones.”

Tiger Dingsun reads from “Ballast” …

Tiger Dingsun reads from “Ballast” …

While the gathered read along.

While the gathered read along.

And yes, there really was fondue …

And yes, there really was fondue …



New Events and Resources for Grad Thesis Book Writers

Hey grads, ready to write and design your thesis? A&L is here for you … in more ways than one.

1.     This Wintersession, A&L invites all grads to the A&L “thesis writer’s room.” Join us Monday through Friday from 9-11 AM, all Wintersession long, for: good company, great views, comfy couches, free coffee, and perhaps most importantly, dedicated writing time. We’ll start each morning with a quick check in together; staff and tutors will be on hand to share resources and feedback on request. No need to RSVP, just come on in, as many days as you like.

2.     Check out our brand-new Guide to Thesis Book Design. Written by recent GD alum Marcus Peabody, this book will walk you through every step in the design process, from choosing fonts to image strategies, from software selection to finding the right printer. If you haven’t come across it yet, see A&L’s Book of Thesis Books—a tour through content “highlights” in 37 exemplary thesis books from every grad program. And finally, don’t miss the original thesis guide: Anne West’s The Master’s Written Thesis Handbook, which offers inspiration and instruction in equal parts.

3.     Did you know that you can meet weekly or biweekly with the same A&L tutor throughout the year? Lots of grads do. It’s a great way to get focused, informed, and continuous feedback on your thesis, along with built-in, friendly deadlines. E-mail artsandlanguage@risd.edu to set up ongoing tutoring. Or, as always, make a single appointment here. (We also compile a list of copy editors for hire. See our handouts page under “Grad Written Thesis.”)

If you have ideas for additional thesis book workshops, events, or resources, let us know and we’ll see if we can make it happen.

Workshop: Pronouncing East Asian Names

Tonight, from 5-6 PM, at A&L:

In celebration of International Education Week, HPSS Assistant Professor Xiangli Ding is offering a workshop on how to pronounce East Asian names. Nearly a fifth of RISD students, staff, and faculty have East Asian backgrounds; understanding correct pronunciation is important to the whole community. All are welcome!

Opening & Happening ... forever!

Sincerest thanks to all who joined us on September 27 for our Opening & Happening. What a thrill to see everyone sharing in so many ways together in our new space. We learned a lot on this day about how expansively the center can operate and welcome all. Stay tuned for announcements about how we plan to keep the happenings happening throughout the year.

Everyone was everywhere …

Everyone was everywhere …

Olive Godlee (Sculpture BFA 2019 and A&L tutor emeritus) was our very first artist-in-residence. Olive shared bread and research conversation.

Olive Godlee (Sculpture BFA 2019 and A&L tutor emeritus) was our very first artist-in-residence. Olive shared bread and research conversation.

Who knew that ideas are the perfect condiment for fresh-baked bread? (The homemade jam was amazing, too!)

Who knew that ideas are the perfect condiment for fresh-baked bread? (The homemade jam was amazing, too!)

A group of grad students took a first shot at Scrabble!

A group of grad students took a first shot at Scrabble!

Jessina and LAS Professor Mike Fink, all smiles in the “interview a tutor” room.

Jessina and LAS Professor Mike Fink, all smiles in the “interview a tutor” room.

The New Yorker caption-writing table … clearly a big draw!

The New Yorker caption-writing table … clearly a big draw!

Boggle (and Bananagrams) kept us playing late into the day.

Boggle (and Bananagrams) kept us playing late into the day.


H101 Formal Analysis Workshops

H101 Formal Analysis Paper: Overview and Q+A

Monday, September 23, 4:30-5:30 PM 
Tuesday, September 24, 9:00-10:00 AM 
A&L, 15 West/Fleet Library, 2nd floor 
(take the elevators in the lobby, to the right of Portfolio Café)

Your first H101 paper assignment—the formal analysis—may be entirely new to you. Your H101 professor will guide you through the conventions, but you may want to learn more. In this workshop, we’ll review the essentials and the finer points of this cornerstone of art history writing, share approaches for looking, describing, and analyzing, and raise and answer questions together. Presented by: Jen Liese

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Fall Workshops: English for Art & Design

Multilingual learners: this semester’s workshop series will focus on listening and pronunciation skills using a variety of art-related video and audio resources. Join us to improve your understanding of lectures as well as your own clarity in public speaking. Facilitated by Maya Krinsky, Assistant Director, Multilingual Learning

Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00 PM

September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15

in A&L’s new home: 2nd floor of 15 West/Fleet Library (take the elevators to the right of the Portfolio Café)

Questions/registration: multilingual@risd.edu

A Room of Everyone's Own (with a View)

Last week, A&L crossed the river: from the College Building to the Fleet Library, from a cozy corner to a spacious oasis. We’re on the Library’s second floor: take the 15 West lobby elevators to 2 and make a right. We can’t wait to welcome you. Stop by or make an appointment anytime, and don’t miss our grand “Opening & Happening” on Friday, September 20, from 11-2, during which we’ll attempt to activate all our modes of communicating and thinking and doing at once. More on that soon …

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Join the Black Lunch Table

Black Lunch Table Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
Wednesday, March 13, 1:15pm–4:00pm
RISD Fleet Library, 15 Westminster St, Providence, Picture Collection, 2nd floor

Free, lunch and snacks provided by SEI, RSVP to jbervinl@risd.edu

The Black Lunch Table Wikipedia Edit-a-thons mobilize the creation and improvement of a site-specific set of Wikipedia articles that pertain to the lives and works of Black artists. No prior knowledge of editing is required! BLT will provide a short introduction to the platform and will provide assistance throughout the event. All writing levels welcome. No prior knowledge of Wikipedia editing is required. Please bring your laptop and feel free to bring a friend!

RISD Glass Visiting Artist Jina Valentine will give an artist lecture on her work in Chace Center, RISD Museum afterwards at 4:30pm. The Black Lunch Table Wikipedia Edit-a-thon is sponsored in collaboration with the Brown Arts Initiative, RISD Office of Social Equity & Inclusion, RISD Division of Fine Arts, and RISD Library.

The Black Lunch Table is an ongoing collaboration between artists Jina Valentine and Heather Hart which intends to fill holes in the documentation of contemporary art history.

Spring Workshops! English for Art & Design

Looking to improve your writing and speaking in English for class, critique, presentations, and studio visits?

Join Maya Krinsky, Assistant Director for Multilingual Learning, for informal weekly workshops this March.

Sundays, March 3, 10, 17, and 24
10 AM - 12 PM

in A&L (College Building, room 240)

E-mail multilingual@risd.edu with any questions or to register (appreciated but not required)

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v.1 went LIVE!

What a cozy scene in Carr Haus last week, as v.1 (volume-1.org) authors read aloud, reflected on process, and basked in the glow of lights, hot chocolate, and good conversation.

Tiger Dingsun reads from “The Unbearable Whiteness of Being (A Graphic Designer),” while the crowd reads along.

Tiger Dingsun reads from “The Unbearable Whiteness of Being (A Graphic Designer),” while the crowd reads along.

Olive Godlee prepares to read “Bread Day” after passing around a fresh-baked loaf.

Olive Godlee prepares to read “Bread Day” after passing around a fresh-baked loaf.

Mike Fink shares wisdom from his 50+ years of writing, publishing, and teaching writers at RISD.

Mike Fink shares wisdom from his 50+ years of writing, publishing, and teaching writers at RISD.

Mays Albaik’s finale performance: “How to Make a Person: A Recipe.”

Mays Albaik’s finale performance: “How to Make a Person: A Recipe.”

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