Fine Arts
Rietveld Fine Arts …
… provides a space where students are led to reflect on their own assumptions about art and the world, and to continuously reconsider their artistic position. This involves a shift from regarding things “as they are” towards a recognition of the complex existence of materials, objects and ideas within changing contexts. Artists are confronted with the question of art’s autonomy: its ability to displace given knowledge and power to connect different spheres of understanding.
… encourages its students to make informed choices. Informed not only in the sense of being able to reflect on individual practice, art theory and art history, but also in the sense of being able to form and be formed by works of art; to shape a creative process in ways that shift the parameters around theory, practice and the public sphere. Art is regarded as a diversity of practices – whether it is in the realms of image, object, language, performance production and presentation – implying that each medium embodies specific ideas about time, space and social relations.
… centers its focus on the ways in which things are interconnected and on the effects and affects of certain processes not only in the studio and academy, but also in the world at large. The resurgence of the object, the interest in the materiality of things, as well as notions of artistic innovation and material literacy are actual topics throughout the humanities, art and social sciences. In response to this we try to provide a structure that facilitates the constructing of new logics and tangible knowledge, located at the juncture of art and research.
Courses offered
Painting, Drawing, ‘Drawing Lab’, Art History, Art in Public Space, Sculpture, Installations, Video and Film, Audio, Photography, Performance Art, Studium Generale.
2017-01-21 19:01:07
2017-01-21 18:30:51
Study Structure
1st specialisation year
In the first specialisation year, you will work independently. It is important to experiment a lot, and there will be no assignments. You will search for sources of inspiration and learn how to use the library. You will learn how to analyse your own work and draw conclusions in order to take the next step in your development. Working on your personal artist’s statement is also part of the first specialisation year. There will be many group discussions, but otherwise supervision will be on an individual basis. You will be expected to have a high degree of independence. You will receive training on making exhibitions.
2nd specialisation year
In the second specialisation year, we will take a more critical look at your work and we'll expect the same from you. You will increasingly concentrate on the concepts and techniques you learnt in the first year. You will continue to work on your artist’s statement. How to keep proper records is also part of the curriculum.
3rd specialisation year
In the third specialisation year, you will work towards the final examination. You will turn your artist’s statement into a thesis. This is a compulsory part of the final examination year. How do you present yourself, and how do you present yourself in relation to others? The department has an open attitude towards the outside world, resulting in regular participation in competitions, exhibitions and projects with external parties.
Projects
The Fine Arts department is often involved in projects both within and outside the Academy. Excursions in the Netherlands and abroad are also standard parts of the curriculum, and the department often works together with other departments, such as VAV and Graphic Design. The department also regularly holds exhibitions in the Rietveld Academie’s exhibition rooms, and is taking part in the Academy-wide project Rietveld Uncut, the first edition of which will be held in November 2009.
Metal workshop / Metaal werkplaats
Theory
During the Fine Arts study programme at the Rietveld Academie, you will receive extensive theory instruction, including lessons in Art History, Philosophy and Art Theory. Each year a number of classes are taught by guest lecturers, and you will attend lectures and symposiums. The Studium Generale is also a standard part of the theory education within the Fine Arts department. The Studium Generale provides a general historical context concerning current themes in the contemporary international art world. The Studium Generale brings in prominent speakers from the Netherlands and abroad to give lectures. For more information, see Studium Generale
Work placement and exchange
Work placements and exchanges are possible, but not compulsory. If you would like to take such a position, always discuss this with your lecturers first. Work placements and exchanges may only take place in the second specialisation year.
Students 1st year
Students 2nd year
Students 3rd year