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Programme
MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Painting
Study year 2010-2011
Artistic system
Within a multiform artistic domain, an explicit artistic view and an individual artistic system (a signature style and an associative, poetic cohesion of the work) are essential. Making visual work of excellent quality is a requirement, but this can only be accomplished with good brainwork and a clear image of one's own artistry. With the help of this system the artist develops his own body of work, making a contribution to further developments of the domain. For this reason, MFA Painting predominantly focuses on developing an artistic system characterized by a sound individual ground, a clear artistic view and a strong professionalism. To achieve this, an intensive and reflective practice and an inquiring mind are essential.
Artistic research
The course requires research of a diverse nature. First, we distinguish research for the purpose of developing the student's own work. The course defines this as sorting out in a practical and theoretical sense, aimed at form as well as meaning and context. In addition and closely connected research takes place for the purpose of developing the student's own artistic system. Reflection on his own practice, the underlying points of departure and the broader context of the work occupy centre stage. Finally, the work of art may serve to research a question or issue (artistic or otherwise). The research methods and forms of presentation used are determined, selected, composed and developed by the individual practice. Consequently, it is not a matter of a general or domain-specific methodology that is being taught, but rather of individual supervision of the research process. Within MFA Painting, research results represent an explicit view of the student's own work and art in general on the one hand, and visual work of good quality based on theoretical study on the other. The presentation of research results (visual or otherwise) is an equally important point of particular interest within the course.
Studying
The course is not a 'workplace' whose main function is to offer facilities to work. It is first and foremost regarded as a place to study. The academic character of the course is ensured by didactics especially conceived for artists and the manifest place of theory, reflection and research within the curriculum. The lecturers take their departure from the idea that the students are in an advanced stage of development and may be expected to work and think independently to a high extent.
So, theory, reflection and research figure largely in the programme together with the visual work. The student attends lectures at Groningen University and establishes dialogues with regard to art-theoretical issues, in order to further develop his mode of thought in close connection with the visual work.
Painting
The master course Painting seeks to train students to explore and push out the frontiers of visual art from a painter's mind and way of thinking. This makes the art of painting a major point of reference of the course without necessarily highlighting painting per se. The art of painting serves as a source of inspiration, but all the time its frontiers and the space outside them are being explored. The course introduces visual artists into society, enabling them to make a vital and personal contribution to the development of painting and its significance for our culture, from a clear understanding of both the practice and theory of visual art. Artists able to give shape to their contemporary notions on the basis of conceptual, professional, theoretical and innovative skills.
Curriculum
The programme has three components:
1. Studio programme
On the basis of a plan of action that is continuously being adapted, the students work on their own personal oeuvre for the duration of the entire programme. In this, they are supervised by the team of core and term tutors as well as guest tutors. These visit the students studios and conduct individual discussions with the student about their work, procedure and research method.
2. Theory programme
In consultation with the theory tutor, the students compile a lecture programme at the University of Groningen that fits their own personal interests as much as possible. Every month, under the supervision of the theory tutor, a round-table discussion is organized on a topic that everyone has prepared in advance. Furthermore, seminars are also held regularly.
3. Projects
Every term contains a project programme that may consist of various elements such as a workshop, master class, symposium, excursion and exhibition. These projects are partly supervised by a guest tutor or curator.
The programme is divided into stages that focus consecutively on the following concepts:
-play and experiment;
-reflection on one?s own work and that of others;
-the collection, combination and transformation of meaningful material;
-the formulation and forming of one?s own themes and artistic system;
-the development of an artistic theory and communication with the art world.
These stages are covered in the four-term programme.
First term
The first term consists of the studio programme, components of the lecture programme, round-table discussions, seminars, and a project. During the work and in the supervision, the emphasis is placed on play/experiment and reflection. The student plays/experiments in order to invent new or renewed images, working methods, and techniques. The material thus gathered is then subjected to deliberation. This continual stimulation to reflect on their own work and research methods is intended to generate a greater awareness of their artistic principles.
Second term
A project and a presentation take place in the second term, besides the above-mentioned studio programme, lecture programme, seminars and round-table discussions.
The accent now lies on the students? own artistic criteria, the collection and combination of materials and the development of their own particular themes.
Third term
The third term consists of the studio programme, the lecture programme, seminars, round-table discussions, and a project. In this term, the emphasis is placed upon the development of the artistic system and on reflection on one's own attitude.
Fourth term
The fourth term is mainly oriented toward graduation. Attention is also paid to communication with the art world.
Final review
The study programme is concluded with a review of the studio research project and a theoretical thesis. Graduating students present both of these to the public.
During the final review, the students give an oral explanation of their work to the exam committee. A publication accompanies the exhibition.
Facilities
Students have access to their studios seven days a week and can make use of the available equipment in accordance with the regulations. They have at their disposal Apple Macintosh computers with an internet connection, a colour printer, a scanner and a photocopier. Use can also be made of facilities such as editing machines, photography and video equipment, the media lab, and courses that are part of other advanced education programmes.
After consultation, use may also be made of the workplaces (for wood, metal, screen printing, media, etc.) in the Academy Minerva building.
Professional prospects
The MFA Painting programme has been set up to give visual artists the opportunity to further develop their knowledge, insight and skills. Graduates are capable of drawing up plans for their work processes, formulating their own artistic theories, and communicating about their work. This enables them to secure a constant and prominent position on the various platforms of the art field.
Network
The FMI Masters maintains structural and content-related co-operation with the Master of Fine Arts programme provided by Hunter College in New York. For the MFA Painting programme, this co-operation consists of the exchange of tutors and students, knowledge exchange, and the organization of joint projects. Each year, on request and if their work gives reason for it, a limited number of students of the MFA Painting programme can spend a term in New York to participate in the Hunter College programme.
In addition, the FMI Masters maintains an exchange relationship with the Master of Fine Arts programme of the School of Design of the University of Pennsylvania. Each year, a number of students may participate in this programme for a period of one month.
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