CAEL2096: Semester 1, 2026

Units CAEL2096 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

CAEL2096: Non-Objective Painting

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

This unit covers historical and contemporary concepts and techniques relating to non-objective painting. Painting is addressed in its history and as a category of contemporary art. It is broadly defined as an extended practice with a broad range of material, spatial and intellectual possibilities. Geometric abstraction, gestural abstraction and minimalism have all made their marks on contemporary painting, which often mixes them together. In the course a variety of these approaches are explored through focused and self-initiated projects. As their studies progress, students are encouraged to develop their own approaches and set out their own parameters to create a valid studio practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in Visual Arts or 12 credit points of 1000 level Studio Foundation unit in Bachelor of Visual Arts
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sanne Mestrom, sanne.mestrom@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task Early feedback quiz	0%	Week 03 Due date: 13 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 20 Mar 2026	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	First three exercises submit the work from the three weeks' exercises plus at least one revision	30%	Week 06 Due date: 02 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Apr 2026	5 minute presentation plus Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Progress review Present progress on self-directed project	20%	Week 10 Due date: 08 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 May 2026	5 minute presentation plus Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation of final work Presentation of final work	50%	Week 13 Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 11 Jun 2026	5 minute presentation plus Canvas	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Presentation of artwork

Assessment criteria

Present work as described in each assessment task

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% per calendar day

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Week 1: Introduction to Course and Mark Making // This opening week establishes the foundational concepts of the unit through an introduction to non-objective painting and hands-on exploration of mark making techniques.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Week 2: Scribbling and Repetitive Line Work // Building upon the previous week's exploration, this session examines scribbling as a deliberate artistic technique through historical and contemporary examples.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Week 3: Taping and Edge Definition // This week investigates the use of masking tape as a tool for creating precise edges and exploring compositional relationships.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Week 4: Smudging and Creating Depth // The focus shifts to smudging techniques and their capacity to create perspectival depth and tonal transitions.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Week 5: Extending Techniques and Artistic Devices // As students transition towards more self-directed work, this session provides time for extending the exercises covered in Weeks 2-4 or beginning self-directed projects.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Week 6: Assessment 1 Presentations // Students present their first assessment.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Week 7: Non-Teaching Week This non-teaching week provides students with time to develop ideas for their major project.	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 08	Week 8: Developing Critical Vocabulary // Developing a self-guided learning structure, this week's seminar addresses how to talk about art with precision and insight. The presentation covers appropriate language, analytical frameworks, and critical vocabulary for discussing non-objective painting, supported by a handout for ongoing reference. Students continue developing their major project through self-guided learning in the studio, supported with one-on-one feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Week 9: Artist Deep Dive (1) // The seminar component features in-depth presentations on two pioneering artists in non-objective art. Students continue developing their major project through self-guided learning in the studio, supported with one-on-one feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Week 10: Assessment 2 Progress Review // Students receive progress reviews for Assessment 2, discussing their developing practice with tutors. Students continue developing their major project through self-guided learning in the studio, supported with one-on-one feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Week 11: Artist Deep Dive (2) // This week's seminar presents three crucial figures in the development of non-objective painting. Students continue developing their major project through self-guided learning in the studio, supported with one-on-one feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Week 12: Artist Deep Dive (3) // The final artist deep dive examines optical and geometric abstraction through three contexts. Students continue developing their major project through self-guided learning in the studio, supported with one-on-one feedback.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Week 13: Final Presentation // The culminating presentations allow students to demonstrate the development of their practice across the semester, articulating both technical and conceptual growth whilst situating their work within the broader context of non-objective painting established through the unit's seminars and studio investigations.	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Additional requirements from Sydney College of the Arts

Students must attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit Coordinator.
All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted.
You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass. Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment.

Punctuality is also expected

Absences require documentation for illness of misadventure.

Irrespective of circumstances, a minimum of 50% attendance is required to pass the course.

Unless there are extenuating circumstances discussed with the lecturer, failure to present physically during online classes will be counted as an absence.

It is expected that any absence or irregularity be communicated promptly via email

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

To be listed on Canvas

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Achieve a more than rudimentary level of mastery in the approach and development of abstract painting
LO2. Apply basic skills in image construction
LO3. Comprehend historical relationships in the construction of images
LO4. Evaluate one's work in relation to other artists historical and contemporary
LO5. Analyse and evaluate one's work with competence and satisfactory literacy
LO6. Create abstract/non-objective paintings
LO7. Demonstrate proficiency in a number of techniques and materials

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This will be reassessed after the new method of delivery

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links