Fine Arts

During the programme, you will learn to set up your working procedure and to draw your own inspiration. You will also follow a programme consisting of compulsory and elective subjects. You may participate in projects if they benefit your development. While studying Fine Arts at the Rietveld Academie, you will learn to transform ideas into visual art, to adopt a critical attitude towards yourself and to grow as a visual artist. You will learn to organise your own production, presentation and documentation. Also you will learn to communicate about your work and build a relationship with your audience. Learning to work together with other visual artists or designers is another important part of the programme.

Courses offered

Painting, Drawing, ‘Drawing Lab’, Art History, Art in Public Space, Sculpture, Installations, Video and Film, Audio, Photography, Performance Art, Studium Generale.

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.

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.